Weather update
Thursday 4 May (9am)
There are currently no MetService weather warnings in place for Rotorua for the next 48 hours.
MetService is expecting more rain to fall over the coming days and will update the weather watches and warnings in the next couple of hours. With a lot of heavy rain on the way for a number of regions it's even more important to be prepared and keep up to date with the latest forecast.
Contractors have attended to several weather-related callouts during the past 24 hours and have undertaken work to clear blocked grates and drains (Fenton/Victoria streets intersection, Millar Road, Wylie Street ), put up flooding signage in some areas (Manawahe Road, Millar Road) and cleared a fallen tree (intersection of Ashpit/Republican roads).
Early this morning crews were headed to a reported slip and treefall at Hamurana Road, approximately 3km from the State Highway 33 (Mourea) end.
Crews will today be going to various parts of the district to check for any weather-related issues.
Council and its contractors continue to monitor the weather and forecasts which currently show the wet weather continuing until at least next Wednesday.
Leaf fall is causing drainage issues in the urban area and contractors have crews out on a regular basis clearly grates, noting that these can often re-block due to the amount of leaf fall.
Contractors are planning a full round of street sweeping on leaf-prone roads starting late next week as soon as the weather starts to clear.
Grading of unsealed roads in the district has been paused as it is too wet to undertake this work at present but this will re-start as soon as the weather allows.
Be aware and stay up-to-date
Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Residents living near waterways such as the Ngongotaha Stream are encouraged to stay alert to rising water levels and as a precaution, to be prepared to evacuate if that were to become necessary.
Take care if you are on the roads as surface flooding and slips are possible and driving conditions may become hazardous.
Be prepared and take precautions:
- Keep an eye on MetService for the latest weather updates at www.metservice.com
- Check your 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.
- 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.
To report any weather related issues or if you need assistance, please contact Rotorua Lakes Council on 07 348 4199 (24/7).
To report an emergency, please call 111.
For ongoing updates go to www.bopcivildefence.govt.nz, check www.rotorualakescouncil.nz and follow Bay of Plenty Civil Defence and Rotorua Lakes Council Facebook pages.
Keep checking here for further updates
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Wednesday 3 May
Rotorua has remained under a heavy rain watch today.
The heavy rain watch is for the 9hrs to 6pm tonight (Weds 3 May).
With a significant rainfall event expected to affect NZ until Sunday, as this event unfolds new areas could be added to the MetService warnings, and Red Warnings could be issued.
People are encouraged to stay up to date with local and severe weather forecasts at the link below.
Council continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as needed.
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Monday 1 May
Rotorua Lakes Council is actively monitoring the current weather conditions and our staff and contractors are on standby to respond to any weather related issues that may occur.
Bay of Plenty west of Kawerau, including Rotorua, remains under a heavy rain warning which was issued for the 17 hours from 9am today (Mon 1 May) to 2am tomorrow (Tues 2 May).
MetService says a further 70 to 100mm of rain could fall – on top of what has already fallen – with peak rates of 10 to 20mm/h possible about the ranges.
A period of heavy rain is also possible late Tuesday and Wednesday and a Watch or Warning may be issued closer to the time.
Council staff and contractors have been undertaking the usual checks and preparations ahead of expected adverse weather.
Council has had no reports of any flooding, slips or trees down at this stage [3pm Monday 1 May] but as with any adverse weather conditions, residents are encouraged to be aware and to be prepared to act if that becomes necessary.
Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Residents living near waterways such as the Ngongotaha Stream are encouraged to stay alert to rising water levels and as a precaution, to be prepared to evacuate if that were to become necessary.
There have been no issues observed with regards to Rotorua waterways at this time [3pm Monday 1 May].
Take care if you are on the roads as surface flooding and slips are possible and driving conditions may become hazardous.
Be prepared and take precautions:
- Keep an eye on MetService for the latest weather updates at www.metservice.com
- Check your 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.
- 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.
To report any weather related issues or if you need assistance, please contact Rotorua Lakes Council on 07 348 4199 (24/7).
To report an emergency, please call 111.
For ongoing updates go to www.bopcivildefence.govt.nz, check www.rotorualakescouncil.nz and follow Bay of Plenty Civil Defence and Rotorua Lakes Council Facebook pages.