Far North Mayor Yvonne Sharp has declared a Civil Defence Emergency in the Far North district as heavy rain and strong wind continues to batter the area.
The forecast is for continued heavy rain and strong winds until about midnight tonight with an average fall of around 12 to 14mm per hour and gusts of up to 150kph in some areas.
The flood is considered a one in 100 year event with 254mm of rain fallen in the Kaeo district alone.
Far North District Council has set up welfare centres and systems to meet the needs of isolated communities across the district and keep people safe for the rest of the evening, overnight and into the morning.
Isolated communities in the Far North include Pawarenga, Horeke, Mitimiti, Kaeo, Mangamuka and Rahiri.
Welfare Centres are operating at Paihia, Kawakawa, Opua, Rahiri, Panguru, Broadwood, Opononi/Omapere, Waimamaku, Kaitaia, Awanui School near Kaitaia and Lonsdale Park, Kaeo.
Marae in North and South Hokianga are also sheltering those in need.
The council set up its Emergency Operations Centre this morning and is monitoring the situation throughout the district with the help of emergency services and welfare agencies.
Roads throughout the district are taking a pounding. State Highway 11 between Kawakawa and Opua is closed at Taumarere, cutting off Opua/Paihia from the south. Extreme caution is needed on State Highway 10 just south of Waipapa.
There are closures also at SH12, west of Kaikohe between Kaikohe and Taheke, SH1 is closed at the one land bridge near Mangamuka and State Highway 10 is closed at Kaeo and at Kaingaroa.
There is no southern access to Kaitaia following the recent flooding of Larmers Road. Bulls Gorge near Kerikeri is down to one lane.
The bridge across the Kerikeri Basin is closed and traffic is being diverted elsewhere.
Localised flooding, slips and falling trees are creating havoc on local roads throughout the district and contractors are out in the field working on the roads where possible. Known sites with obstructions are signposted but new obstructions can happen at any time so motorists need to drive as if there is an obstacle around every corner.
It will be extremely dangerous for people to be on the roads overnight and people are advised to remain at home unless their safety is compromised. Conditions are rough, both in terms of wind and rain, and the best advice is to stay at home, keep warm and plan not to go out until tomorrow morning.
It is estimated that up to 3000 homes are without power and people who choose to leave their homes (not a recommended action if driving is involved) because they have no electricity are advised to ensure their power is turned off at the mains before leaving.
Power outages are being reported throughout the district in areas including Whatuwhiwhi peninsula, Okaihau, Utakura through to South Hokianga, Purerua peninsula through to Te Tii, Honeymoon Valley and South Hokianga.
In terms of wastewater, there is a risk of overflow from plants at Russell, Rawene, Opononi, Kohukohu and Hihi. Some of the plants are overflowing already but the council is unable access them because of impassable roads.
A mobile generator is in place at Kawakawa pump station which is holding its own at this stage. East coast and Kaikohe pump stations are under stress and sucker trucks have been deployed at East coast, Paihia, Rawene and Kaitaia.