KEY POINTS:
Hamilton Civil Defence is on stand-by as more water is sent down the Waikato to ease Lake Karapiro levels.
MetService is forecasting heavy rain, up to 100mm, in the Taupo catchment.
Environment Waikato hazard manager Adam Munro said the extra rain would be falling on ground that is already sodden.
Mr Munro said Mighty River Power was increasing the amount of water flowing out of Lake Karapiro to ease the pressure.
"This is a precautionary measure to help ensure that the lakes upstream of Karapiro don't come under significant pressure if the forecast rain eventuates on Friday," Mr Munro.
He said low lying areas of Hamilton would be closely watched but the extra flows shouldn't create problems.
"However, the releases from Kapapiro, and the rain that's due to fall over Taupo on Friday, mean Waikato River levels are likely to stay higher for longer, and it will potentially take more time for land affected by the recent flooding to drain," Mr Munro said.
- NZHERALD STAFF
