Sunday Evening Update - Rain Warning & Watch Remain - Hikuwai River Rising

We have received the updated forecast from the MetService and the Rain Warning & Watch still remain in place until 3:00pm Monday.

In relation to the Warning area north of Tolaga Bay the MetService expect a further 70 to 90mm to accumulate about the ranges, and 40 to 70mm about lower lying areas. This is in addition to what has already fallen.

The largest rainfall totals for the last 24hrs are in line with the forecast; RIP 158mm, Waikura 134mm, Pakihiroa 120mm, Mata 116mm, Puketoro 104mm, Oweka 102mm, Puketawas 100mm and Poroporo 96mm.

Most other sites have received between 10 -40mm of rain during the last 24hrs. Gisborne Airport has recorded 16mm, Tolaga Bay 18mm, Wharekopae 38mm, Pakarae 33mm, Kanakanaia 9mm and Matawai 21mm to name a few.

The Hikuwai River is rising and based on current information/modelling it is predicted to peak just below 8 metres sometime between 11pm and 3am tonight.

This is still some 3 metres below our first evacuation trigger so we are not wanting anyone to be alarmed but we do want to give people a heads up and recommend that if you live in the area near the river you keep an eye on what it is doing. You can check the river level on the Council website at: http://www.gdc.govt.nz/environmental-monitoring/

The other rivers we monitor have only shown slight rises in comparison and are no cause for concern.

There are still no know issues around the district but we are keeping a close eye on the Hikuwai River as you would expect. We will put out more information if required in relation to this if the River looks like going higher.

Details of the Rain Warning & Watch are below

Heavy Rain Warning
For Bay of Plenty east of Opotiki, and Gisborne north of Tolaga Bay. Valid: 19 hours from 8:00 pm Sunday to 3:00 pm Monday. Periods of heavy rain. Expect 70 to 90mm to accumulate about the ranges, and 40 to 70mm about lower lying areas during this time. These amounts are in addition to the rain that has already fallen. Peak intensities of 8 to 15mm per hour. Note, further rain is likely to continue through to early Tuesday.
Heavy Rain Watch
For Gisborne from Tolaga Bay southwards Valid: 19 hours from 8:00pm Sunday to 3:00pm Monday Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

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