The Taranaki Regional Council is monitoring rainfall and river flows throughout the region. There has been a period of sustained heavy rain yesterday and overnight. Rain is forecast to continue until early afternoon today.
At the Waiwhakaiho and Waitara flood protection schemes, river levels peaked between 2 and 4am, and based on the current weather forecast, we do not anticipate these rivers reaching critical flood levels.
In the rest of the region, heavy rainfall is expected to result in localised flooding and damage. Surface flooding, slips and disruptions are expected as the rain continues.
Rivers will continue to rise throughout the day in response to the rain that has fallen as well as further rain that is forecast, and Council officers will continue to monitor river levels throughout the day.
River level and flow data from 30+ river monitoring and 29 rainfall monitoring sites around the region are available on the regional council website (for most sites the last data update was around 6am this morning).
We also recommend keeping an eye on the Taranaki Civil Defence page: https://www.facebook.com/TaranakiCivilDefence/(external link).
Taranaki Civil Defence advises:
- If you do come across flood waters, remember do not walk or drive through flood waters. The water may have washed away parts of the road and may contain debris.
- If you become trapped by floodwaters call 111 immediately.
- Treat all flood water as contaminated and unsafe. Never swim in floodwaters.
Access the latest rainfall, river flow and river level data on the Taranaki Regional Council website: https://www.trc.govt.nz/environment/maps-and-data/regional-overview/(external link)