Tararua District Emergency Management is monitoring the heavy rain and following a teleconference with MetService, Horizons Regional Council is expecting rain to temporarily ease but heavy rain to return from 10pm tonight.
MetService has indicated this band of rain will last until late tomorrow morning before easing off again.
It's expected to fall across a large area of the Manawatu-Whanganui region, including the Tararua District
Tararua mayor Tracey Collis reminded residents to stay safe during the heavy rainfall.
"We are telling farmers to check on their livestock and move them to higher ground if they are concerned and advising road users to check the road status before travelling, only travel if necessary and drive to the conditions."
"People can keep up-to-date with what's going on by listening to local radio stations and checking the Tararua District Council website and Facebook page."
"We also want to encourage people to let us know if there is an issue due to the heavy rainfall, for example if you can see your road is flooding, call us and let us know, the more information that we have the better."
Roas closures due to heavy rainfall (as at 5pm on Tuesday April 4):
McKinley Road, Woodville
Range Road, Woodville
Broomfield Road, Woodville
Makairo Track, Woodville (4WD/resident access only)
Roads affected by heavy rainfall (as at 5pm on Tuesday, 4 April 2017):
Riverdale Road, Dannevirke (down to one lane at town end, closed to all heavy vehicles)
NZTA has advised that this weather event has not yet had an impact on the Manawatu Gorge and the Gorge remains open. However, as weather and road conditions can change rapidly and heavy rain brings the risk of slips, they are advising people to check the status of the Manawatu Gorge before they start their journey. The electronic variable messaging signs at Ashhurst and Woodville will be updated, and people can call 0800 4HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)
People can also check if the detour routes of Saddle Road and the Pahiatua Track are available by visiting www.tararuadc.govt.nz/roadstatus. These detours will add approximately 15 minutes to a journey.
Council is requesting that people do not use the Ferry Reserve until the heavy rain has cleared.
COUNCIL CONTACT DETAILS:
Tararua District Council
06 374 4080 or 06 376 0110
info@tararuadc.govt.nz
