Flood barriers deployed in Whanganui and watch in place for the Manawatū River Motua floodgates.

Flood barriers at Kowhai Park in Whanganui have been activated as a precautionary measure.

Horizons Regional Council corporate and governance group manager Craig Grant says that Whanganui River levels are expected to peak at about 10.7 metres within the next hour or so.

“High tide is expected at approximately 4am for Whanganui, with the river peaking at Whanganui Town Bridge at around 4am also.

“We have no concerns of a breach, however with the peak occurring overnight we felt the barriers provided some assurance. We will continue to monitor the situation and are in contact with our emergency management officer at Whanganui District Council.”

Another river that is on watch overnight is the Manawatū River, which will peak at Teachers’ College in Palmerston North at approximately 2am.

“While this will result in high flows through the city, there is no concern for residents’ safety,” says Mr Grant.

“We do however have staff on standby for the Motua floodgates further downstream, which may need to be opened around daylight tomorrow morning.

“It is also very likely that SH56 at Opiki will be closed overnight due to the spillway operating.

“Horizons staff are contacting affected landowners in the area tonight, to ensure they move stock before dark. We have also made contractors at Whirokino aware of the situation.

“For all other rivers and their tributaries in the region, we have no concerns but will continue to monitor.

“There will be localised flooding and roading issues, such as those experienced at Blue Duck Station today. All of these situations are being handled by emergency management teams at the relevant city and district councils.”

Members of the public are advised to take care while driving and check the AA’s website, http://maps.aa.co.nz/traffic/roadwatch for information on road conditions.

Up-to-date information on river heights and rainfall is available via Horizons 24 hour toll-free Waterline 0508 4 FLOOD or via our website www.horizons.govt.nz

Updates will also be posted to the Manawatu-Wanganui Civil Defence page: https://www.facebook.com/civildefencemanawatuwanganui/

For weather forecasting information please see www.metservice.co.nz

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