‘We’re not out of the woods yet’: GDC

MetService has issued an orange rain warning for the weather due to hit the district over the weekend.

The latest forecast confirms a low pressure system is expected to develop northeast of East Cape, with heavy rain developing today and continuing through to Sunday.

The warning for Tairāwhiti/Gisborne goes through to 10am on Sunday.

MetService says the region can expect 120 to 160 millimetres of rain with the largest amounts about the ranges. Peak rates of 10 to 15 mm/h, but 15 to 25 mm/h in possible thunderstorms from Saturday afternoon.

Anyone planning to travel should note the orange warning includes Hawke’s Bay north of Napier and goes through to 1pm  tomorrow.

MetService says this area can expect 130 to 180mm of rain, with the largest amounts in the Wairoa District and peak rates of 10 to 15 millimetres an hour.

The agency warns the rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly — surface flooding and slips are possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.

The Gisborne District Council yesterday warned about the high chance of surface flooding.

“Rivers are running high and there is ponding and surface flooding already across the flats from persistent rain over the past couple of weeks, said the council’s environmental monitoring team leader Peter Hancock.

“We thought things had settled but we’re still experiencing multiple rain events that have topped things up and our monitoring team has shown us that groundwater tables are still really high.

“It’s like two steps forward and one step back. The groundwater levels recover and then we get more rain that just tops them back up again,” he said.

“So, we’re not out of the woods yet and we ask people to be mindful that surface flooding will occur if we do get the rain that’s forecast.”

Those who have experienced flooding in the past are asked to be prepared by clearing downpipes and making sure drains on their property, or close by on the street, are clear.

People are advised to keep a watch for land movement on their property as well.

“If you’re on a hilly section or you’ve had any land subsidence at your place, please check your property and contact us if you notice any cracks, creaking noises, doors sticking in your home or retaining walls leaning.”

Other advice is to drive to the conditions, and only flush toilets when necessary to remove pressure from the wastewater system.

■ Call council on 800 653 800, email service@gdc.govt.nz or use the GDC FIX App to report any issues.