Melting snow causes river levels to rise in Turakina

Modelling by Horizons Regional Council’s hydrology team this afternoon shows that melting snow has resulted in the Turakina River rising at a level that may cause concern for residents later this evening.

Horizons catchment data manager Jeff Watson says models currently indicate a peak of 8.5 metres in the Turakina River at O’Neill’s Bridge at approximately 9pm tonight.

“Our trigger warning is at 7.0 metres, however it should be noted that the predicted levels are still 2.0 metres below what they were in the June 2015 event,” says Mr Watson.

“It should also be noted that due to the storm event, our Rangitikei River flooding warning system at Mangaweka is currently inoperative.

“Staff are working on fixing this now, with the aim to get it up and running again today. However, this does mean that currently no flooding warnings will be issued if required. This is of lesser concern than the Turakina, as we are not expecting high peaks in this river.”

“There is no emergency declaration in place,” says Rangitikei District Council emergency management officer Johan Cullis.

“However all farmers in the Koitiata area should be moving stock and residents who choose to self-evacuate should do so before dark,” says Mr Cullis.

“Rangitikei received significant snow fall over the past few days, which has already resulted in power outages and road closures in some areas. With the river levels rising, we ask people to be extra vigilant about their own safety and others.”

Mr Watson says there will continue to be a great deal of water around. Waterways are likely to contain debris and take a number of days to return to normal.

“Horizons duty teams will be in place over the weekend.”

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