Heavy rain to the north but no concerns so far

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Heavy rain hit the top of the district overnight, as forecast, but so far rainfall levels have not been of concern.

No major highway problems have been reported to the NZTA but the Gisborne District Council has reported surface flooding up the coast this morning, in particular on Anaura Bay Road.

The heaviest falls up to 8am this morning have been at the top of East Cape and in the eastern Bay of Plenty.

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s gauge at Haparapara in the eastern ranges north of the Motu River recorded almost 130mm up to 8am.

In the Waioeka Gorge and surrounding hills, about 50mm has fallen overnight.

At the top of the cape Gisborne District Council’s gauge in Waikura Valley has recorded 100mm up to 8am this morning, while the gauge at Raparapaririki in Tapuaeroa Valley recorded 80mm and the gauge at Hicks Bay 70mm.

The southern part of the district has escaped heavy falls but the forecast for today was for the rain to become widespread and heavier this morning.

MetService’s heavy rain warning remains in place.

The warning says to expect a further 100mm to 150mm of rain on top of what has already fallen, especially about the ranges. Peak rates of 20 to 30mm an hour are possible from mid-morning to early evening

The front is expected to move slowly east and the rain ease away tomorrow.