Horizons monitoring river levels

Horizons Regional Council operations and emergency management staff are keeping an eye on river levels with the Metservice forecasting rain for much of the region overnight.

Horizons emergency manager Ian Lowe says if rain falls as currently forecast it is not expected to cause significant issues. However, teams will be on standby to respond if required.

“Areas of interest for us at this stage are the Makino and Mangone Streams in Manawatu, the Tutaenui Stream in Rangitikei, the Turakina River, the Whangaehu River and the Whanganui River.

“Although we’re not anticipating any major issues, we know the June event is fresh in many people’s minds and we’re just encouraging people to look out for their friends and neighbours who may have been affected. It’s also a good time to think about your preparation and your planning with website www.getthru.govt.nz offering some good tips.

“The Makino Stream is expected to peak at 9.30am tomorrow and we will have gate closure crews on standby overnight as a precautionary measure.

“The Mangone Stream should reach its peak at 2pm tomorrow. The Tutaenui Stream will also peak tomorrow afternoon, with the Turakina River forecast to peak at around 8pm tomorrow at a height of 8.9m.

“The Whanganui River is forecast to peak at 9.6m at our Pipiriki monitoring site at 4pm tomorrow. This is not expected to cause any significant issues downstream or impact on newly reinstated flood protection.

“The Whangaehu River is expected to peak at 9.2m at around 5.30pm. This may cause closures along the Whangaehu Valley Road but is not expected to result in significant flooding.

“District council teams are working to get in touch with residents along this road just to keep them in the loop as many were affected by the rainfall and flooding of June.”

Motorists are advised to take care on the roads, particularly those that were affected by June’s rainfall.

The NZTA website provides the latest information on the State Highway network. Any local road closures will be posted to district and city council websites.

The latest river height and rainfall information is available via Horizons’ website or Waterline 0508 4 FLOOD (0508 435 663). More information on weather is available from www.metservice.com

More information will be issued if the situation changes, with updates posted to facebook page www.facebook.com/civildefencemanawatuwanganui

ENDS

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