Media advisory

9am, 30 July 2008

Preparation for severe weather predicted for Bay of Plenty

Environment Bay of Plenty staff are continuing to monitor river levels around the region and are on standby to deal with any flooding that may occur.

Since 9pm yesterday, Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty have received approximately 45mm of rain; Whakatane has received about 22mm of rain; and Rotorua has received approximately 14mm of rain.

Winds of around 80km hit Tauranga between 4am and 5am this morning. The strongest gusts ever recorded for July in Tauranga were 82km per hour.

Environment Bay of Plenty Rivers and Drainage Group Manager Ken Tarboton said the situation was being continuously monitored and staff were on standby.

“We had a reasonably calm night and we are not expecting flood levels to rise to first warning levels until late afternoon or early evening dependant on how much more rain falls and over what timeframe. Environment Bay of Plenty staff are continuing to monitor rivers and catchment areas around the region. Any farmers with stock on low lying ground are advised to move them up to higher ground,” Mr Tarboton said.

“The latest weather report we have received from the Metservice forecasts from 80mm to 120mm of rain in the Bay of Plenty ranges, with 40mm to 60mm in low lying areas from 7am until 3pm.

Rain is expected to ease in Western Bay of Plenty late morning and in the Eastern Bay of Plenty by early afternoon.

ENDS

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