A contractor clears drains after surface flooding on the Northern entrance to Dannevirke. Photo/Paul Taylor
A contractor clears drains after surface flooding on the Northern entrance to Dannevirke. Photo/Paul Taylor
Rainy conditions have provided a welcome boost for Hawke's Bay farmers this week, Federated Farmers says.
An ex tropical low brought rain and muggy conditions to Hawke's Bay this week. MetService meteorologist Daniel Corbett said showers were likely to persist today and tomorrow as the low tracked northwest to Whakatane,directing a moist southeasterly flow over the North Island .
Hawke's Bay Federated Farmers president Will Foley said farmers were pleased with the amount of rain Hawke's Bay had seen this week.
"The amount of rain has been significant. It's warm rain and it will promote growth for winter crop and grasses. It's a good set-up for farmers heading into the winter season."
Mr Foley said rain had come early this year and would "kickstart" farming in the region. In previous years, dry conditions prevailed until May or June and this week's rain was a welcome respite from a trend of increasingly dry autumns. The East Coast had been one of the best places for farming in the North Island this year, Mr Foley said.
MetService issued a severe weather warning for Hawke's Bay up to 9:00 last night. Heavier rain was expected for the coastal hills and ranges of Hawke's Bay. People in these areas were advised that heavy rain can cause rivers to rise rapidly, with surface flooding and slips possible.
Kaweka Hunting lodge manager Kirsten Herrick said rain had been "pretty bad" yesterday . "It's been pretty persistent. We have a hunter at the lodge who hasn't headed out in the weather."
Dannevirke saw surface flooding on High St as stormwater systems became overloaded yesterday. Tararua District Council chief executive Blair King said the flooding was minor and would dissipate of its own accord.
