Severe weather has triggered two states of local emergency across the Manawatū-Whanganui region. Heavy rain has led to widespread flooding, landslides, and the closure of critical state highways overnight.
Whanganui District Mayor Andrew Tripe declared a state of local emergency for the district at 6:57 am on Sunday. This followed a similar declaration made by the Ruapehu District Council for the Ōhura Ward at 3:21 am.
Emergency Evacuations and Local Impacts
In the town of Ōhura, six residents were forced to evacuate their homes overnight. The Ōhura Memorial Hall has been opened to serve as a Civil Defence Centre.
Local resident Mike Crowley described the event as a “real cracker flash flood,” noting that water was knee-deep at his property and waist-deep or more on Tongaporutu Rd.
Civil Defence has warned that low-lying areas of Whanganui, including the suburb of Putiki, Taupo Quay, and Anzac Parade, could face flooding. Staff have begun door-knocking in these areas to prepare residents for possible evacuations.
Emergency evacuation centres are scheduled to open at Whanganui Girls’ College in Whanganui East and St Paul’s Church on Guyton St. Residents in Owhango have been asked to conserve water due to high turbidity in the town’s raw water source.
Infrastructure and Transport Disruptions
State Highway 3 remains closed through the Awakino Gorge after overnight rain caused further flooding and slips. NZTA crews are currently using trucks and excavators to clear the lanes.
An NZTA spokesperson confirmed that 25 truckloads of material have already been removed from the first kilometre of the gorge, though more material still needs to be cleared.
Tornado Damage in Tauranga
Further north, Tauranga experienced severe weather and a tornado that caused significant property damage and power outages. PowerCo reported that 75 properties in Welcome Bay lost electricity.
Tauranga City Council has closed Tye Park due to fallen trees, along with Hamilton St and Devonport Rd. Welcome Bay Rd is as well shut from the Hot Pools to Tauranga Waldorf School, a closure that is likely to remain in place into tomorrow.
Reports indicate damage to houses, including an instance where a cabin was blown onto a car in Welcome Bay. Residents have been urged to check on friends, neighbours, and whānau.
Wellington Flash Flooding Context
These events follow intense flash flooding in Wellington yesterday, which forced the closure of sections of several state highways. Wellington Region Emergency Management confirmed that one home in Porirua and 25 homes in the suburb of Stokes Valley were evacuated.
Stokes Valley residents described a sudden downpour where up to 40mm of rain fell in one hour. This caused drains and manholes to fail, sending muddy water through garages, driveways, and backyards.
Weather Forecast and Outlook
MetService has issued an orange heavy rain warning for the eastern Bay of Plenty, with 80 to 110mm of rain expected east of the Whakatane River between 6 am and 4 pm.
Heavy rain watches are also in place for parts of South Canterbury, Gisborne, and Auckland. Forecasters indicate that unsettled conditions are being driven by a front followed by several active troughs.
Depending on the movement of these troughs, there is a moderate chance that current watches could be upgraded to warnings. Multiple agencies remain on standby as Horizons modelling suggests further flood protection assets may be required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can Whanganui residents go for emergency shelter?
Emergency evacuation centres will open at St Paul’s Church on Guyton St and Whanganui Girls’ College in Whanganui East.
What caused the power outages in Tauranga’s Welcome Bay?
According to lines company PowerCo, the outages affecting 75 properties were caused by a tornado.
Why are Owhango residents being asked to conserve water?
Residents have been asked to conserve water as of high turbidity found in the town’s raw water source.
How does your local community prepare for sudden flash flooding events?
