With more than half of Central Hawke's Bay residents soon needing to boil their drinking water and further rain and wind forecast in the next 24 hours, Central Hawke's Bay District Council's Emergency Operations Centre is urging people to act with caution and keep up to date with the rapidly changing local situation.
Central Hawke's Bay has experienced severe flooding since early Thursday morning, with rivers reaching one-in-50-year flood levels.
A further 100mm of rain is forecast over the next 24 hours and strong winds are expected to make driving conditions worse, with fallen trees particularly in coastal areas.
Residents in Waipawa and Otane are also being asked to conserve water, with a boil water notice in place for Waipukurau, which is likely to be extended to Waipawa and Otane as the river water quality continues to deteriorate.
Residents are also encouraged to not "rush to flush" in Otane, Waipawa and Waipukurau as wastewater plants become overwhelmed with floodwaters.