11.10am – 12 June 2018

Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence and Emergency Management Media Release

Hawke's Bay public warned to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from the coast

Hawke’s Bay people are being urged to avoid unnecessary travel as the region is hit by strong winds and heavy rain.

The Met Service is predicting 100-130 mls of rain through to midday tomorrow in the Ruahine and Kaweka Ranges, on top of what the region has already experienced. The amounts forecast could result in rivers rising further, surface flooding and slips. HBRC rivers staff will continue to update the modelling based on the rain forecast.

Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Controller Ian Macdonald says most rivers are coping with the downpour so far, although close attention is being paid to the Esk River and rivers around Wairoa. The Wairoa River has reached annual levels (green) and is approaching five year levels, and there are reports of surface flooding. The Mangaone River at Rissington Bridge is currently just below the 50 year level (same level reached in March) and there has been flooding in the same area that was impacted in March. The Esk River is currently at a five year event level and still likely to rise. Tutaekuri River at Puketapu is estimated to reach a five year level.

“While the public might see some rivers spilling over, that is normal and we are confident the stopbanks on our major rivers will keep them contained,” says Mr Macdonald.

He says there is some localised flooding around the region and people who live in low-lying areas should keep a close watch on the rivers and streams in their area and be prepared to move if they feel unsafe.

There have also been some localised power outages and people should ensure they are prepared should this happen again.

Meanwhile, people are also being urged to keep away from the coast from Cape Kidnappers to Mahia with heavy swells expected throughout the day, culminating at high tide at 4pm this afternoon. There has been a 5.83m easterly swell being recorded at the Napier Port buoy.

Mr Macdonald says with more heavy rain expected to start later this afternoon through to lunchtime tomorrow , Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management is continuing to closely monitor the situation and council staff have been placed on standby to activate a coordination centre should the situation worsen.

There are some local road closures and surface flooding across the region and the public is urged to take extreme care on the roads. For more local roading information check local council websites and the NZTA website for state highway information.

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