EW on alert as heavy rain forecast over Waikato

Environment Waikato’s flood management staff are on alert following a heavy rain warning for parts of the Waikato over 30 hours from 2pm Wednesday.

The Met Service has warned up to 120 millimetres of rain could fall in an area from Raglan to Lake Taupo and from Hawera to Mt Ruapehu.

Other parts of the Waikato could expect up to 50 mm, the Met Service has advised.

EW’s river and catchment services group manager Scott Fowlds said river levels in the region were already somewhat elevated after last week’s rain, although they had been receeding since then. Land also tended to be saturated, increasing the risk of surface flooding.

“We will be monitoring river levels closely and issuing the public with any relevant advice they need to help avoid or manage flood-related risks,” said Mr Fowlds.

“Farmers are also advised to move stock to higher ground if it is felt they could be at risk from flooding.”