Several orange-level heavy rain warnings remain in place as downpours saturate the Bay of Plenty and surrounding areas this afternoon.
The Bay of Plenty Regional Council activated its Flood Room at 7am on Wednesday, with the council’s flood monitoring team out checking flood defences, river levels, flows, and rainfall.
“This means our flood team is set up to monitor the situation 24/7 as it develops. We will be providing real-time river level information to supporting agencies (such as local councils and Waka Kotahi), to assist with planning and responding to local communities,” the council said in a statement.
Downpours began yesterday as two slow-moving fronts collided over the country, funnelling rain into the east of the North Island.
MetService said an orange heavy rain warning will remain over the Bay of Plenty until 11pm today, while rain was expected to ease across the Coromandel, Waikato, Taupō and Tongariro National Park throughout the afternoon.
A heavy rain warning for Gisborne would be in place until 1am on Thursday.
NZTA Waikato journey manager Andrew Brosnan said people should take extra care on the roads as weather conditions intensify.
“Heavy rain can increase the risk of flooding in low-lying areas and coastal zones – conditions like these can change rapidly and make driving hazardous.
“Please slow down, increase following distances and drive to the conditions. Watch for surface flooding, slips and debris and avoid driving through floodwaters.”
Bay of Plenty Civil Defence said there may be surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions.
“Go to your local district / city council for information on local road closures – there are a few around Whakatāne.”
Whakātane District Council said large slips had blocked Herepuru Rd and Pokairoa Rd, while Awahou Rd had been flooded.
Weather watches and warnings
Heavy Rain Warning – Orange
Bay of Plenty – 14 hours from 9am Wednesday to 11pm Wednesday
Gisborne/Tairāwhiti (north of Ruatoria) – 16 hours from 9am Wednesday to 1am Thursday
Taupō – 9 hours from 9am Wednesday to 6pm Wednesday
Tongariro National Park – 9 hours from 9am Wednesday to 6pm Wednesday
Heavy Rain Watch
Fiordland (south of Milford Sound) – 24 hours from noon Thursday to noon Friday.
