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Flood Waters Return to Lower Motueka River this Evening

Wednesday 23 November 2011, 6:34PM

By Tasman District Council

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MOTUEKA

In a repeat of Monday’s heavy rain event river levels are rising in the lower Motueka River and will continue to do so for the next few hours.

Flood levels are expected to peak at the Motueka River Bridge at approximately 11pm this evening and then recede rapidly.

The Motueka River has risen relatively rapidly as a result of widespread rain in the catchment and the resulting higher levels in the both the Baton and Wangapeka Rivers. It is expected that there will not be any threat to the banks as the contributing flood waters are concentrated from only two of the Motueka River tributaries. While this weather event is forecasted to be short lived, Civil Defence and Council staff are monitoring the situation closely.

As the levels continue to rise 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.

Farmers should be aware of where their livestock are in areas of rising waters. Motorists are also urged to take care as there will be surface water on many roads this afternoon and evening.