Brace yourselves, Bay of Plenty! Heavy downpours are soaking the region and surrounding areas, prompting serious flood warnings. The situation is unfolding rapidly, and it's crucial to stay informed and prepared.
The Bay of Plenty Regional Council isn't taking this lightly. They've activated their Flood Room at 7 am on Wednesday, deploying their flood monitoring team around the clock. They're diligently checking flood defenses, river levels, flows, and rainfall to keep a close eye on the situation. "This means our flood team is set up to monitor the situation 24/7 as it develops," the council stated. They're also providing real-time river level information to supporting agencies, like local councils and Waka Kotahi, to help with planning and responding to local communities.
But where did all this rain come from? Two slow-moving weather fronts collided over the country, funneling rain into the east of the North Island.
MetService has issued an orange heavy rain warning for the Bay of Plenty, which is in place until 11 pm today. While the rain is expected to ease across the Coromandel, Waikato, Taupō, and Tongariro National Park throughout the afternoon, other areas aren't in the clear. A heavy rain warning for Gisborne will remain in effect until 1 am on Thursday.
And this is the part most people miss: Road safety is paramount. NZTA Waikato journey manager Andrew Brosnan urges everyone to take extra care on the roads as weather conditions intensify. "Heavy rain can increase the risk of flooding in low-lying areas and coastal zones – conditions like these can change rapidly and make driving hazardous," he warned. Slow down, increase following distances, and drive according to the conditions. Watch out for surface flooding, slips, and debris, and absolutely avoid driving through floodwaters.
Bay of Plenty Civil Defence echoes this warning, highlighting the potential for surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions. They advise checking with your local district or city council for information on local road closures, with some already in place around Whakatāne. For example, large slips have blocked Herepuru Rd and Pokairoa Rd, and Awahou Rd has been flooded.
Here's a quick rundown of the weather watches and warnings:
- Heavy Rain Warning – Orange
- Bay of Plenty – 14 hours from 9 am Wednesday to 11 pm Wednesday
- Gisborne/Tairāwhiti (north of Ruatoria) – 16 hours from 9 am Wednesday to 1 am Thursday
- Taupō – 9 hours from 9 am Wednesday to 6 pm Wednesday
- Tongariro National Park – 9 hours from 9 am Wednesday to 6 pm Wednesday
- Heavy Rain Watch
- Fiordland (south of Milford Sound) – 24 hours from noon Thursday to noon Friday.
But here's where it gets controversial... Do you think the current warnings are sufficient, or should more proactive measures be taken? What preparations have you made, and what advice would you give to others in the affected areas? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
