Heavy rain is forecast to intensify across northern Rangitīkei overnight, with the heaviest downpours expected late evening through the early hours of Monday morning.

Current forecasts indicate the most intense rainfall period is likely between midnight and 3am, particularly in rural northern Rangitīkei and in the upper catchments feeding into the Rangitīkei, Tutaenui, and Whangaehu Rivers.

Strong west to southwesterly winds, with gusts of up to 130km/h in exposed areas, are also expected overnight.

A State of Emergency remains in place for the Rangitīkei District.

Council staff are actively monitoring river levels, road conditions, and weather updates. The Emergency Operations Centre remains operational, and the regional Civil Defence Emergency Management Group is also providing regular updates.

At this stage, no evacuation orders have been issued and no evacuation centres have been activated.

Council is not asking residents to evacuate at this time. Response teams have been door-knocking in remote communities this evening to ensure residents are prepared. The key message is to prepare properties, secure animals, and move stock to higher ground where possible.

Some parts of Bulls are currently without power. Powerco is aware of the outages and working to restore supply as conditions allow.

If conditions change, residents will be given as much warning as possible. Council is urging people to stay updated through official channels.

Residents are encouraged to familiarise themselves with their local Community Response Plan, which outlines the steps that would be followed should evacuations become necessary:
www.rangitikei.govt.nz/services/civil-defence-emergency/community-response-plans

Roading and travel updates:

Napier-Taihape Road is currently closed.

For State Highway conditions: www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions/manawatu-whanganui

Residents are advised to delay any non-essential travel until conditions improve.

For the latest weather warnings, visit:
www.metservice.com/warnings/home

Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.

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