NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is advising Waikato and Bay of Plenty road users to prepare and take extra care as severe weather arrives before Easter.

Heavy rain and strong winds are forecast, with MetService issuing a severe weather warning from tonight until the end of Easter Friday for Coromandel and Western Bay of Plenty.

The orange warning is likely to be extended further into the Waikato and across the Kaimai Range.https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/holiday-journeys/easter-and-anzac-holiday-weekends-2025

With school holidays, and Easter approaching, it’s busier than usual on our roads, and NZTA’s Waikato Journey Manager Andrew Brosnan urged motorists to be vigilant.

“Essentially, the message is – be ready for difficult driving conditions.“There’s the potential for surface flooding and slips. Anticipate that there could be trees or debris on the road just around the next corner.

“There’s also a risk of downed powerlines – so expect the unexpected.

“If you need to travel, allow extra time for your journey. Slow down and keep a safe following distance from the vehicle in front. Keep your headlights on to increase visibility.

“Thunderstorms are possible on Friday. While the current estimate is up to 250mm of rain to fall on the Comomandel Ranges, there is potential for this to increase.

Road users should be aware that there may be traffic management or temporary speed limits in place. There will be traffic management on State Highway 25 at the Pepe Steam Bridge at Tairua over Easter and Anzac weekends,

to help keep traffic moving over the holiday period.“Please adhere to temporary speed limits and follow the directions of traffic management in work zones, even if you can’t see active work under way.

It is there for your protection, the protection of workers and other motorists. This is especially important in poor weather.”Plan ahead before you travel with the Easter and Anzac travel advisory in the NZTA Journey Planner.