18 January 2010

Bay of Plenty Regional Council staff are keeping a close watch on developing weather conditions with the remains of two former tropical cyclones passing over the country this week.

Group Manager Rivers and Drainage Ken Tarboton said we are currently experiencing the effects of the first low and we’re paying close attention to MetService predictions.

According to the MetService, another low, formerly Tropical Cyclone Zelia, lying northwest of Northland on Tuesday morning is likely pass west of Northland and Auckland in the afternoon and evening and to then move over the southern North Island Tuesday night before passing west of the Chatham Islands late on Wednesday.

The path of this second low is still somewhat uncertain, but both of the lows are forecast to bring very humid conditions and a period of heavy rain and northerly gales over much of northern and central New Zealand on Tuesday and early Wednesday.

Rain is forecast to set in Tuesday afternoon. In the 15 hours from about 6pm Tuesday expect 70 to 100mm of rain, but around 150mm about the high ground where peak intensities could reach 20 to 30mm per hour overnight.

Mr Tarboton said there have also been a number of precautionary measures taken with pumps and drainage systems in preparation for heavy rainfall.

“Our staff have been coordinating with contractors on enabling works for the Tauranga Eastern Link, specifically the extension of Kaituna Road and the new Diagonal Drain pump,” said Mr Tarboton.

”Close coordination has been needed on the installation of pumps and culverts which compromise drainage capability during their installation. Supplementary pumping has been arranged if needed and we’re monitoring the drain levels.”

Mr Tarboton also said the public should be aware that the weather systems may bring periods of heavy rain and strong gale force winds over the next few days.

“Our staff are actively monitoring the situation using tools such as our recently installed weather radar and forecast modeling systems as well as keeping in close contact with the MetService.“

ENDS

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