Horizons taking cautious approach to forecast rain

Monitoring is underway across the Horizons Region with further rain forecast for later this week.

Horizons regional group controller Craig Grant says the rain is likely to affect waterways in the Tararua District.
 
“It is too early at this point to determine exactly what impact the rain will have, but we are taking a cautious approach to planning as Tararua is already compromised following Cyclone Gabrielle,” he says.
 
“This includes keeping in contact with Tararua District Council and doing what we can to shore up flood protection assets in Tararua.
 
“It is possible a Moutoa floodgate operation on the Manawatū River between Foxton and Shannon will be necessary, so we will also prepare for that.
 
“Our river monitoring network is operational across the region and we will actively monitor the situation for the rest of the week.
 
Mr Grant says people should also take a cautious approach and be prepared to move from vulnerable areas.
 
“We will provide another update once more information becomes available.
 
Regulatory advice and welfare information is available at www.horizons.govt.nz.
 
Up-to-date information on river heights and rainfall is available via Horizons 24-hour toll-free Waterline 0508 4 FLOOD or via our website www.horizons.govt.nz.

For weather forecasting information please see www.metservice.co.nz
 
For road closures, delays, and warnings please see https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/manawatu-whanganui/
 
Please stay tuned to your local radio stations for another option for civil defence updates.

Image: The confluence of the Mangatainoka and Manawatū rivers on Thursday.