River infrastructure in good shape ahead of weekend rain

River management infrastructure across the Horizons Region has held up well after Cyclone Gabrielle and is expected to do so again during the coming forecast rain.

Horizons regional group controller Craig Grant says updated forecasts show incoming rain is likely to be heaviest in the Tararua District on Saturday, but at lower levels than was experienced during Cyclone Gabrielle.
 
“The latest forecasts on Thursday show the rain will predominantly be focused on Tararua and the Ruahine Ranges, feeding waterways which flow towards the east coast. The rain, however, is not expected to cause major flooding issues.
 
“However, people in vulnerable areas, such as eastern Tararua, should still take a cautious approach and be prepared to move. Care should especially be taken on roads in Tararua as slips are possible.
 
“The Pohangina River and waterways in the upper Manawatū catchment will also get some rainfall, but are expected to remain lower than during Cyclone Gabrielle. The Manawatū River may get to a height where an operation of the Moutoa floodgates between Shannon and Foxton is necessary.
 
“The rainfall is forecast to have a lesser impact on the Whangaehu, Rangitīkei, Ōroua and Turakina rivers. While they will rise, they should peak lower than they did during Cyclone Gabrielle.”
 
Mr Grant says inspections of river management infrastructure, both via helicopter and on foot, show waterways on both sides of the ranges are ready to cope with the rainfall.
 
“We have noticed some minor damage to waterways in areas, but overall waterways are in good condition and we expect them to handle the weather. Horizons staff continue to assess waterways to ensure we know what is required to add resilience to networks.
 
“Two bridges in Tararua have been prioritised for debris clearance ahead of the weekend rain – one near Herbertville, the other near Ormondville. Tararua District Council and Horizons are working to ensure the clearance is done as soon as possible.
 
“Horizons staff continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates as and when the situation develops.”
 
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.