Heavy rainfall overnight has isolated the already sodden eastern Bay of Plenty town of Opotiki.
Metservice have indicated that the expected rainfall is 180 millimetres in the ranges and up to 110 millimetres in lower-lying areas.
Level two flood warnings have been issued by Civil Defence managers. Council officials have warned that the Otara, Waioeka, Waimana and Whakatane rivers, are at risk of flooding.
Residents have been advised to stay at home unless driving is essential. Farmers were also asked to move stock to higher ground.
Regional council duty flood manager Bruce Crabbe said that stop logs were being installed at Whakatane’s wharf and fishing club sites in preparation for continuing rise of river levels coinciding with the effect of sea swells at high tide. A high tide of 2m is expected at Whakatane at 10:46 am and another tonight at 11.08 pm. All boats moored at the wharf have also been moved
Yesterday State Highway 2, between Opotiki and Whakatane, was closed due to surface flooding. Many large slips have closed the Waioeka Gorge, cutting off State Highway 2 between Opotiki and Matawai.
Metservice forecaster Gerard Barrow said heavy rain was expected from Taupo to the east until noon today, but the heaviest falls would be in the eastern Bay of Plenty and northern Gisborne.
Friends Read Free