EW remains watchful over rain

Environment Waikato’s flood management staff will continue to monitor regional river levels closely despite the cancellation of a heavy rain warning for the Waikato.

In the 48 hours till 8am today, between 30 millimetres and 80mm of rain has fallen on many parts of the region, with Ngaroma north of Taupo getting 176 mm.

But Met Service has now downgraded its rain warnings for the region and EW says rivers are generally coping well with the recent rainfall, with no flooding reported.

However, EW’s river and catchment services group manager Scott Fowlds said his staff would continue to monitor the situation closely, as more showers and rain were forecast today and tomorrow ahead of another cold front due to pass over the region at the weekend.

“We will remain vigilant and will issue the public with any relevant advice people need to help avoid or manage flood-related risks.”