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News release
8:30am, Friday 21 July 2006

THIS MEDIA RELEASE SUPERSEDES ALL EARLIER RELEASES

Widespread surface flooding in Wairarapa – update no.5

Heavy rain has caused widespread surface flooding throughout Wairarapa, particularly in south eastern areas. Rain is easing but the latest MetService forecast is predicting southerly showers over the next 24 hours, from 8.00am this morning.

Greater Wellington staff continue to assess the situation and are closely monitoring river levels.

Greater Wellington floodwarning officer Lindsay Annear says, “All rivers in the region, with the exception of the Taueru River, have peaked and are slowly but steadily dropping.”

“The Ruamahunga River at Martinborough peaked slightly above five metres and is currently just below the five metre level. The Taueru River is expected to peak within the next few hours.”

All floodways in the region are operational. The Barrage Gates were closed on Thursday afternoon.

Given the already saturated conditions in these areas, people are still advised to be on the alert for rising rivers and streams as well as further localised flooding and slips.

From early Friday morning until Friday night, 2 to 5cm of snow could accumulate about the Rimutaka Hill Road summit, with lesser amounts down to about 300 metres.

Local councils continue to monitor roads and public are advised to contact their local district council office for more detailed information on road closures.

Masterton District Council 06 378 9666
Carterton District Council 06 379 6626
South Wairarapa District Council 06 306 9611

Drivers are urged to take extreme care on all roads and drive to the conditions. Contractors are working hard across the region to make flood areas visible with safety cones and signage. Public are asked not to remove safety cones from the affected areas.

Current road closures include:

Masterton District

Road / Location Status Time Updated Comments
Whangaehu Valley Road Closed 07:30 Slips
Masterton Castlepoint Road from Blairlogie Langdale Marginal 07:30 Slips
Road to Tinui

Carterton District

Road / Location Status Time Updated Comments
SH2 between Carterton and Clareville Open 08:00 Caution Surface Flooding
Te Wharhau Road between Westmere Rd and Ruakiwi Rd Open 08:00 1 Lane Only
Chester Road Open 08:00 Caution Surface Flooding
Mangatarere Valley Road Open 08:00 Caution Surface Flooding
Ponatahi Road at Foremans Jury Road Marginal 08:00
Kokotau Road Marginal 08:00
Hodders Road Closed 08:00 Surface Water
Hughes Line Marginal 08:00 Surface Water
Francis Line Marginal 08:00 Surface Water
Park Road at Short Street Marginal 08:00 Caution Surface Flooding
Dalefield Road (extreme care at Factory Road) Marginal 08.00 Caution Surface
Flooding

South Wairarapa District

Road / Location Status Time Updated Comments
SH2 between Featherston and Greytown Open 08:00 Caution Surface Flooding
White Rock Road between Lagoon Hill and Tuturumuri Closed 08:00 Surface Flooding
No 1 Line Open 08:00 Caution Surface Flooding
Ponatahi Road at Huangarua Bridge Closed 08:00
Cape Pallister Road at Whatarangi Closed 08:00 Surface Flooding
Martinborough - Longbush Road at Popes Head Closed 08:00 Surface Flooding
Greytown Bidwells Cutting Road Closed 08:00 Surface Flooding
Jenkins Dip floodway bridge in operation (no access to Open 08:00 Caution Surface Flooding
vehicles over 10 tonne)

A further release will be issued if the situation changes.

ENDS

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