Mount Maunganui is facing major disruption as Adams Ave is set to close from 5pm today following a severe weather alert and rising landslide risks around Mauao. The precautionary shutdown comes as heavy rain continues to lash Bay of Plenty, with authorities warning that conditions could worsen significantly over the next 24 hours.
The closure affects Adams Avenue between Pilot Bay and the Maunganui Road roundabout, a key route in the busy coastal suburb. While vehicles will be restricted, the footpath on the shop side will remain open. Officials say the decision is based on geotechnical advice, highlighting increasing instability risks due to ongoing rainfall and already saturated ground.
Adams Ave Closure: What You Need to Know
The road will shut from 5:00 PM on March 26 and will remain closed until weather conditions improve and safety assessments confirm the area is stable. Authorities have not provided a reopening timeline, making this an indefinite but temporary closure.
The move is described as a precaution, but experts warn the risks are real. With continued rainfall expected, slopes around Mauao could become unstable, increasing the likelihood of slips or debris flows onto the road.
Officials have made it clear that the road will not reopen until the rain event has passed and engineers confirm there is no immediate danger to the public.
Heavy Rain Warning Intensifies Across Bay of Plenty
The Adams Ave closure comes as the Bay of Plenty remains under an orange heavy rain warning, which is currently in place until 1am Saturday. There is also a strong possibility that the warning could be upgraded to a red alert if conditions worsen.
Rainfall across the region has already reached dangerous levels:
- Tauranga: Over 107mm in 24 hours
- Te Puke: Around 110mm recorded
- Rotorua: Approximately 40mm
Forecasters are warning that an additional 70mm to 100mm of rain could still fall, with intense bursts of 25mm to 40mm per hour expected during peak periods. According to MetService, the system includes active fronts and thunderstorms that could trigger sudden downpours even without warning.
Meteorologists say the weather will slowly move eastward, but the region is still facing another “wet-looking day” before conditions begin to ease.
Flooding, Road Closures and Dangerous Driving Conditions
The severe weather has already caused widespread disruption across Tauranga and surrounding areas, with multiple roads flooded or closed and emergency services responding to incidents throughout the region.
Key impacts reported include:
- SH29A closed between Barkes Corner and Oropi roundabout due to flooding
- Maleme Street (Greerton) closed بسبب heavy flooding
- Burrows Road flooded, with firefighters clearing blocked drains
- Welcome Bay Rd partially submerged at key intersections
- Ohauiti Rd, Windsor Rd, and Maleme St experiencing dangerous water levels
In one incident, a vehicle lost control after hitting floodwater on the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road and crashed into a barrier. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but authorities warn similar incidents could occur as conditions remain hazardous.
Drivers have also reported stalled vehicles, including a car that suffered engine failure after attempting to drive through floodwaters. Officials continue to stress: do not drive through flooded roads.
Landslides and Structural Damage Raise Alarm
Beyond flooding, landslides are becoming a serious concern across the region. A slip has already been reported hitting a building in the Western Bay of Plenty, with roads like Crawford Rd and Wairoa Rd experiencing major flooding and instability.
Authorities say the risk is higher than usual due to weeks of prior rainfall, which has weakened the ground. This means even moderate additional rain could trigger new slips or worsen existing damage.
Residents are being urged to stay alert and take immediate action if they notice signs of a landslide, including cracking ground, falling debris, or unusual movement on slopes.
Emergency guidance recommends evacuating immediately if there is any danger and moving to higher ground away from potential debris paths.
Emergency Services Respond to Rising Callouts
Fire and Emergency New Zealand reported at least eight weather-related callouts overnight, mostly involving fallen trees and blocked roads. Officials expect more incidents as people head out during the day and encounter flooding or storm damage.
Emergency crews are actively working across affected areas, clearing drains, redirecting traffic, and monitoring high-risk zones.
Tauranga City Council has also warned that multiple parks, tracks, and public spaces are closed due to safety concerns. Residents can check updates via Tauranga City Council.
Safety Advice for Residents
Authorities are urging residents to take the situation seriously and follow safety precautions:
- Avoid all non-essential travel
- Do not drive through floodwaters
- Watch for slips, fallen trees, and debris
- Move to higher ground if water levels rise
- Self-evacuate if you feel unsafe
- Take essential items, pets, and medication
Officials emphasize that conditions can change rapidly, and waiting for official alerts may not always be safe in fast-moving situations.
What Happens Next?
For now, Adams Ave will remain closed until the heavy rain passes and safety inspections confirm the area is stable. However, with more rain expected and warnings still in place, further disruptions across Bay of Plenty cannot be ruled out.
The situation remains fluid, and residents should prepare for continued delays, additional road closures, and possible escalation of weather warnings.
The Adams Ave closure may be precautionary, but it reflects a much larger issue — a region under pressure from intense rainfall, rising floodwaters, and increasing landslide risk.
Until conditions improve, caution remains the best defense.
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