Fire and Emergency has deployed two Urban Search and Rescue teams to the East Coast today ahead of severe weather forecast for Tairawhiti and the Coromandel from this evening and through the weekend.

Assistant National Commander Ken Cooper said the specialist teams were being prepositioned to support local volunteer brigades and bolster capacity during the event. One team is in Hicks Bay and the other in Te Araroa. Both are equipped with drones and rescue equipment.

“The wet weather is likely to increase the risk of landslides in already saturated conditions and we’re asking the public to stay alert and take care,” Cooper said. “Don’t travel unnecessarily and keep an eye on weather updates.”

He said preplanning is under way to support Coromandel communities as the system moves through.