Photo: NZ HeraldFlooding is causing havoc in parts of Tauranga as rising tides and extreme rain hit the city. A reporter at the scene said a park bench and rubbish bin were under water near the 14th Ave entry to Turret Rd. Metservice also warned of strong winds, with severe gale northeasterlies expected in the Bay of Plenty. Metservice stated in their warning the combination of strong winds and high tides could cause coastal inundation, especially about eastern areas from Northland to Bay of Plenty, including the Firth of Thames. These are expected to linger into the afternoon as the strong subtropical storm makes landfall near Taranaki about lunchtime.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 04, 2018 22:41 UTC