Severe weather, flooding and slips have all but cut off the Coromandel Peninsula. More than 1,000 homes are without power in the Coromandel and Whangamata's sewerage system is not working. The MetService says up to 200 millimeters of rain fell overnight - and another 60 to 90 millimeters of rain is expected today. Many roads in the area remain closed but State Highway 25 from Kopu to Thames has re-opened to one lane. The Fire Service have rescued three people who were stuck in a submerged car in Whitianga. There has been a major slip on Park Avenue in Whanagamata which is threatening three homes - two people have been evacuated. Thirty school children were also evacuated from a campsite and taken to the Whangamata Civil Defence Centre. Whangamata resident, Noeline Lee, has lived in the area for about thirty years and says she's never seen anything like it.
Flooding at the Kauaeranga River mouth in Thames. Photo: Waikato Rescue Helicopter
