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Flood Waters Expected in Lower Motueka River This Evening

Monday 21 November 2011, 4:37PM

By Tasman District Council

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MOTUEKA

River levels are expected to continue rising in the lower Motueka River for the next three to four hours. Flood levels are expected to peak at the Motueka River Bridge at approximately 5pm this evening.

The relatively rapid rise in the lower Motueka River is due to heavy rain in the Upper Wangapeka valley during the early hours of today (Monday 21 November).

Moderate floods are expected in both the Baton and Wangapeka Rivers, with Baton exceeding an annual flood, and Wangapeka likely to reach at least that level. Likewise the Motueka River at Woodstock could reach an annual flood level.

While the heavy rainfall experienced earlier today has eased in the Wangapeka catchment, the flow in both the Wangapeka and Baton rivers which drain this catchment will continue to increase the flow in the Motueka River for a number of hours yet.

As high tide is expected in Motueka at 7.00pm tonight people are advised to stay well away from the riverbanks especially between the SH 60 bridge over the Motueka River and the river mouth until further notice.