Red heavy rain warning remains in place for Rotorua
UPDATE – 10.00AM, 1 FEBRUARY 2023
Things were fairly quiet in the Rotorua district overnight but a Red Heavy Rain warning remains in place and residents should continue to stay vigilant about water levels and have a plan in place if necessary.
Council staff and contractors are continuing with weather monitoring and preparation work ahead of the expected heavy rain.
If you feel unsafe, need to report weather related issues or have queries please call Rotorua Lakes Council on 07 348 4199 (available 24/7).
Yesterday, Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell urged locals to be on high alert in case of potential flooding risks.
“Because the ground is now totally saturated from the rainfall we’ve already had, more heavy rain increases the risk of flooding so we want to make sure people are vigilant and prepared to act if needed,” the Mayor said.
According to MetService New Zealand, the Heavy Rain Warnings and Strong Wind Watches have now expired for Auckland and Northland as the heaviest rain has now moved through.
RED Heavy Rain Warnings are in place for the Coromandel Peninsula from 9am through to 4pm today (Wednesday), and for Bay of Plenty west of Kawerau from 9am through to 9pm tonight.
If you have questions about what Red warning means and why it has been issued for the west of the Bay of Plenty, check out this video from MetService New Zealand.
Road Closures currently in place:
- Te Kopia Rd – Remains closed due to significant scouring, blocked culverts and slips. Contractors working today to remove debris and clear culverts.
- Dods Rd – Large underslip has washed out a section of road. Local resident access only. Contractors on site today completing work to prevent further damage.
Work continuing today:
- Broadlands Rd - road shoulder repairs near East Rd.
- Tutukau Rd - slip clearing along the full length of this road.
- Paradise Valley - slip clearing. This crew will be working on Paradise Valley Rd, Valley Rd and Endean Rd.
- Urban area - checking various sites, clearing grates and responding to calls.
- Southern area - checking all roads starting in the Reporoa/Rerewhakaaitu areas. sweeping debris, filling potholes, minor drain clearing and monitoring.
- Northern area - checking all roads starting in the Northern/Lakes areas. They will be sweeping up debris, filling potholes, minor drain clearing and monitoring.
Be prepared and take precautions:
- Keep an eye on MetService for the latest weather updates at www.metservice.com
- Check your own drains at home to ensure they are clear of any debris.
- Have an emergency preparedness plan and ensure everyone in your household is aware of what to do in an emergency – have an evacuation plan.
- Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours and relatives.
- Consider staying in alternative accommodation tonight (Tuesday) if you live in a low-lying area or near a waterway. Waterways can rise rapidly during heavy rainfall.
- Travel only if you need to during heavy rain and if you need to travel take extra care and be on alert for debris, slips, treefalls and water ponding on our roads.