Coromandel waves update: increased tides and wave energy is likely to cause more of the localised wave overtopping seen on Sunday. Be especially careful this evening and tomorrow morning with the big moon. (Blood moon 11:11pm for those interested in seeing the eclipse too)

Further significant impacts of the wave and tide event along the eastern Coromandel coastline is unlikely. However, there may be some minor impacts a couple of hours either side of high tide tonight (Thursday, 27 May at 7.36pm).

If you see any weird tweets it’ll be Drew or a developer testing our new regional alerting system. If it’s Drew it’ll have a sense of humour. If it’s a developer, uh, they tend to compartmentalise humour and communication into some mystery location when testing….

Sunday 22 May between 6 and 7pm. It’s just a wee test to make sure the Emergency Mobile Alert will work when we need it to. Feeling *emotive*? Quirking an eyebrow at you. You. Can. Do. This. Look at worst, sit on your phone and get a free massage.

Are you ready for #CycloneGabrielle Check out the GetReady website for advice: civildefence.govt.nz/resources/news…

⚠️Severe Weather Update ⚠️ Watch a video from MetService, with an overview of what's been happening so far, and what's likely to happen over the day or so. There's been a lot of rain already, and there's a lot more to come. youtu.be/OOuAx6VdgzQ

⚠️Waikato District has declared a State of Emergency. This is for an initial period of seven days in preparation for the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle.

⚠️Hauraki District Council has declared a State of Emergency. Watch this video from Mayor Toby Adams for more. And make sure to keep an eye on Hauraki District Council's website and social media for updates. fb.watch/iFqA9v7ioT/ via facebookwatch

Regional state of emergency declared for Waikato ⚠️ In response to the growing threat from Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle, and other local declarations, a state of emergency has been declared for the Waikato Region. Read more at waikatoregioncdemg.govt.nz/newsandevents/…

Avoid non-essential travel. Waka Kotahi urges everyone who can stay home, to stay home ⚠️ Don’t take any chances. Never try to drive through flood water. Roads in our region have been impacted by slips, storm surges and flooding. If you need to travel, check @WakaKotahiWaiBP

Along with the rain, a cluster of thunderstorms is moving across the northern parts of the Coromandel Peninsula.

If it is safe and you're going into work or school this morning, check road closures before you go. Key routes are blocked by fallen trees, powerlines, debris, flooding and slips. There are currently 19 road closures across the region. Check @WakaKotahiWaiBP for updates.

⚠️📣 A National State of Emergency has been declared. This doesn't automatically trigger a change to Civil Defence response arrangements at a local and regional level. But it allows strategic coordination of national resources to be used where needed. 1news.co.nz/2023/02/14/liv…

A satellite image of #CycloneGabrielle, posted by our friends at MetService. Currently centred just est of Great Barrier Island.

MetService New Zealand have just issued their latest round of Severe Weather Watches and Warnings. 🌧️🌬️ 🌀#cyclonegabrielle

There was some concern and confusion last night about what the regional state of emergency declaration meant. And now we've moved to a national state of emergency. So what does a national state of emergency mean for the Waikato region? 🤔 waikatocivildefence.govt.nz/cyclone-gabrie…

🌊Water levels are still high. Please be careful, and stay out of deep trouble! Check out the Get Ready site for what you need to do to say safe while it's flooding, and when you're cleaning up after the waters subside getready.govt.nz/en/emergency/f…

⚠️ MetService update ⚠️ 📺Watch today's short video from MetService New Zealand with an update of what's happened so far, and what's likely to happen over the coming day or so. The rain has been humungous, and Gabrielle's impact has been extensive. 🌧️🌬️ youtu.be/yTfk67BsbJQ

Heavy rainfall is a common trigger for landslides, and because our ground is saturated they will be a risk for coming days and weeks. Know the warning signs so you can act quickly if you see a landslide. Learn more at getready.govt.nz/en/emergency/l…

⚠️ MetService update ⚠️ 📺Watch today's short video from MetService New Zealand with an update of where things are at. The worst of the weather has passed, but there are scattered showers forecast in a few areas.🌦️ #cyclonegabrielle #staysafe youtu.be/SJfpH9X72nA