Rivers rising rapidly

Bay of Plenty people are being warned to keep an eye on rapidly rising river levels following a night of rain in the region. High winds have also been felt across the region. Both rain and wind continues in the Bay of Plenty this

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Community Relations Manager Bronwyn Campbell said widespread rain had occurred overnight throughout the region, with heavy falls being recorded in the Te Puke and Rotorua Hills areas early this morning.

“Second warning levels have been issued for the Mangorewa River, a major tributary to the Kaituna, which continues to rise very quickly,” Ms Campbell said. “High intensity rain warnings have been passed to KiwiRail for the Matatā/Te Puke line.”

The rivers in the eastern Bay are starting to show small rises as a result of the rain.

“Rain will cause rivers and stream to rise quickly, with slips and localised flooding possible, and driving conditions could be dangerous. People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings and to stay home and not drive on the roads if possible.

“All farmers should move stock to high ground, and if people don’t need to travel they should stay at home. New Zealand Transport Agency is reporting slips on SH30 at Tikitere near Hells Gate and on SH2 at Waiotahi Beach.”

Rainfall totals in the 24 hours to 4am today are:

Lake Rotoiti 124mm
Rotorua City 105 mm with 52mm in two hours between 2am and 4am
Ohinekoao (Matatā Hills) 92mm with 30mm in one hour at 4am. The streams flowing through Matatā will be high as a result of this intense rain.
Raingauges in the Tauranga/Western Bay area are showing up to 124mm with around 100mm generally fallen. Gauges in the Eastern Ranges have recorded 50mm – 70mm with up to 100mm in the hill of the Western Rangitāiki Plains.

For further information on weather predictions please go to www.metservice.co.nz

For live monitoring and regional rainfall data go to www.boprc.govt.nz and click on the Live Monitoring Link.

For roading information please visit http://www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/current-conditions/highway-info/road/7873/north-island.html