Safety advice as heavy rain and flooding risk forecast for Bay of Plenty, Rotorua

Flooding, slips and difficult driving conditions are possible with severe weather forecast for the Bay of Plenty and Rotorua. Photo / Bevan Conley

People in flood prone areas are being advised to move to higher ground if they see rising water with severe weather forecast to hit Bay of Plenty and Rotorua tomorrow.

Metservice has issued an orange heavy rain warning for the entire Bay of Plenty region, including Rotorua, for a period of 20 hours, from 1pm Wednesday to 9am Thursday.

“We can expect 180-240mm of rain, with peak rates of 25-35mm/h. MetService has signalled there is a moderate chance of upgrading to a red warning,” a representative from the Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management Group said.

“We know this news might be worrisome, especially to those districts who have experienced significant rainfall in the last few weeks.

“Streams and rivers may rise rapidly, and surface flooding is possible, so if you see rising water, do not wait for official warnings – head for higher ground and stay away from floodwater. Never try to walk, play, swim or drive in floodwater.”

The Civil Defence Emergency Management Group also advised people to postpone travel and outdoor activities as there might be “slips, fallen trees and difficult driving conditions”.

“We’re aware of power outages elsewhere around the motu/country, so if you can, double check your emergency supplies and grab bag, change your devices and keep a torch handy.

“If you’re able to today, before the rain settles in, check and clear your drains and gutters in preparation.”

Anyone in immediate danger should call 111.

In the Coromandel, severe weather was expected to impact to hit the region with forecasts showing 200–250mm of rain, especially over higher ground, with peak rates of 15–25mm/hour on Wednesday.

There was a low risk of localised downpours up to 25–40mm/hour, and a moderate chance the warning could be upgraded to red.

Flooding, slips, rapidly rising streams and rivers, and difficult driving conditions were also possible for the Coromandel area.

Thames-Coromandel District Council warned people to clear drains and gutters, secure loose items outdoors, avoid low-lying areas, and drive cautiously and to never drive through floodwater.

Council also asked people not to play or walk in floodwater, as it could be contaminated and hide hazards