LATEST:A state of local emergency has been declared for the Wanganui District because of the threat of flooding to properties and roads.
Red Cross and Rural Fire teams are visiting affected properties with evacuation information.
These are the specific areas of Wanganui that could be flooded out this evening. Please note that if you are in these areas, you will be contacted by emergency staff:
- Anzac Parade from Mt View Road to Jones Street.
- Putiki - Takarangi Street, Kemp Street, Putiki Drive.
- Taupo Quay - Pitzac to Moutoa Gardens/Pakaitore: all properties on the river side of Taupo Quay, plus 2-28 Taupo Quay.
The Matarawa Stream is rising at a rate of half a metre per hour. People need to be aware there is raw sewage flowing into the stream and are advised to keep away from the stream.
The operations centre will have a further meeting at 5pm to judge the situation.
They said the Whanganui River is expected to peak in Wanganui at 7pm.
The Ruapehu District Council is asking Ruapehu residents to phone in any flooding or other storm related issues to 0800 123 RDC (0800 123 732).
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Wanganui is bracing itself for flooding as the Whanganui River is inundated with heavy rain.
The river is expected to get very close to topping the Kowhai Park stopbanks around 10 o'clock tonight. It is rising rapidly at Pipiriki due to significant rain in Tongariro National Park and the eastern hills of Taranaki.
The Wanganui District Emergency Operations Centre has been activated as persistent heavy rain causes a number of rivers and streams to rise rapidly.
The river is currently forecast to reach 12.5-13.5 metres at Pipiriki at 5pm today.
The resulting high river level is expected to reach the Wanganui urban area at Kowhai Park about 10 pm tonight. It is expected that the river level will remain high throughout the night. High tide is at 8.30pm.
It is expected that the high water level will go close to topping the Kowhai Park stopbanks. The Flood Action Plan has been activated. Anzac Pde residents in properties between Mt View Rd and Marshall Ave are being advised that they may have to leave their properties. Red Cross and Rural Fire teams will be door-knocking on properties in this area later today and leaving information for residents who are not at home.
The operation centre is advising this is NOT an instruction to evacuate; it is advice for residents to be prepared to move if required.
The Matarawa Stream, which runs through Wanganui East, is rising and may affect Ikitara Rd properties.
The Whangaehu, Mangawhero and Waitotara rivers are also rising.
There are minor slips on the following roads which should be cleared this afternoon: Mangamahu Valley Rd, Kaukatea Valley Rd, Longacre Rd, Parihauhau Rd, Waikupa Rd and Georgetti Rd.
Air New Zealand have cancelled all flights in and out of Wanganui today. Rangitikei College in Marton is closed.
Reports have come in that there is flooding in Raetihi and Ohakune.
We will bring you more information as it comes to hand.