8 July 2016, 4pm

Take care on roads as rain due to intensify

Drivers in the Gisborne region are advised to take special care on the roads tonight – or preferably stay at home – as rain intensifies.

Tairawhiti Civil Defence Emergency Management Group manager Louise Bennett says many areas have already received more than 100mm of rain in the past 24 hours with the greatest falls north of Tolaga Bay and in the coastal part of the Wharerata Ranges.

“While the large fronts coming through have flattened off, we are expecting the rain to ramp up from about 4pm today and then increase in intensity between 10pm and about 2am tomorrow,” Mrs Bennett said.

“We expect up to another 70mm on top of what has already fallen.”

Tairawhiti Civil Defence is keeping a close eye on all district rivers, particularly the Hikuwai north of Tolaga Bay. This reached five metres late this afternoon, several metres short of the level where warnings to evacuate are issued. This will be monitored constantly over night.

Several roads have been closed to heavy traffic.

“We may not see any issues until later tonight but drivers should be aware that road conditions can change quickly.”

Further information on river levels and local road conditions can be found on the Gisborne District Council website www.gdc.govt.nz and www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic for national road conditions. Also check out Tairawhiti Civil Defence Emergency Management Facebook page.

NZTA also has an 0800 number with information updates 24 hours a day, 0800 444 449

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