Civil Defence alert

Whakatane District Council is actively monitoring the weather situation and responding to issues of surface flooding and slips around the District as they arise.

Civil Defence Controller Paula Chapman is asking motorists to drive with care and to drive to the road conditions.

“If possible avoid making unnecessary trips and we urge drivers to listen to the radio and check the Council’s website (www.whakatane.govt.nz) for the latest updates. All our other critical infrastructure is operating as normal”.

Mrs Chapman said the Council will continue to closely monitoring the situation for the next few hours and people are being asked to stay away from rivers and streams as they can rise quickly without warning.

A number of roads in parts of the district are restricted to single lane or have surface flood.

Whakatane/Ohope

Ohope Rd Restricted to single lane- slips

Muriwai Dr Closed- slips

Matata

Herepuru Rd Closed Manawahe Closed- slips SH 2 end

Other roads

Matahi Valley Rd Closed – slips at 9 and 12 mile

If people need any assistance they advised call the Council on 306 0500 or for more information visit the website www.whakatane.govt.nz/civildefence and continue listening to the Radio.