River and lake levels warning

Environment Waikato has issued an alert about rising river and lake levels following a heavy rain warning from MetService.

The warning is that in the 30 hours from noon today between 120mm and 170mm of rain could fall on to central North Island high country south of a line between Te Kuiti and Tokoroa.

The areas covered by the warning include the Tongariro National Park and parts of the Waipa River catchment.

EW emergency management officer Adam Munro said if the heavy rain occurred it would lead to rising levels of the Waipa River and its tributaries, rivers flowing into Lake Taupo and the lake level itself.

“People need to be alert to a possibility of rising water levels over the next few days.

“EW’s flood management team will monitor the situation closely and provide advice as things develop.”