Horizons urges people take care during upcoming rain

Horizons Regional Council is urging people take care during the upcoming rain event this weekend.

A weather system off of the east coast of the North Island is forecast to bring rain to various areas, including the Tararua Ranges.
 
Horizons regional group controller Craig Grant says the heaviest rain in the Horizons region is forecast to fall in Tararua throughout Saturday, focused on the east coast and the Ruahine Ranges.
 
“It’s likely the headwaters of the Pohangina, Ōroua and Rangitīkei will receive a period of heavy rain on Saturday morning. If landowners have stock in low-lying paddocks, please be aware river and stream levels may rise rapidly but not to the levels we experienced last week.
 
“We do not expect to need to operate the Moutoa floodgates between Shannon and Foxton. We may need to operate the Makino floodgates near Feilding and will be keeping those who farm along the spillway up to date.
 
“Horizons staff are continuing to inspect river management infrastructure throughout the region. While there are some areas of vulnerability, the network has avoided major damage and should be in a position to cope with the incoming rain.
 
“Horizons continues to monitor river heights across the region and will provide updates when needed.”
 
Mr Grant says Horizons has been in regular contact with the region’s city and district councils today, and will remain so throughout the weekend.
 
“Tararua District Council has been sending supplies to Ākitio, Herbertville and Pongaroa in advance. The council, along with iwi partners and community groups, have continued conducting welfare checks to ensure residents’ needs are met.
 
“We urge people to take care throughout the district. Tararua still has dozens of roads closed for a variety of reasons, including landslips and damaged bridges.
 
“The rain will make road conditions very slippery and possibly cause further landslips, with the silt and mud on many roads another hazard. Driving during and immediately after rainfall should be avoided where possible.
 
“People from outside Tararua should avoid travelling to the area, especially those considering heading to the east coast, unless absolutely necessary.”

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.
 
Updates will also be posted to the Manawatū-Whanganui Civil Defence page: https://www.facebook.com/civildefencemanawatuwhanganui/
 
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.