Waitotara township evacuation recommended

Taranaki Civil Defence Emergency Management has advised residents of the Waitotara township to evacuate this evening following the heavy rain and flooding across the region.
The township consists of about 60 households.
A Civil Defence Centre is being opened in Waverley for people from Waitotara who need shelter. It is at the Waverley Community Centre/Waverley Rugby Club in Chester Street.
In the Stratford District, the heavy rain has led to several slips and road closures. Roads closed due to slips include Makuri Road, Wawiri Road, Mangaehu Road, Upper Mangaehu Road, Mangotuku Road, Junction Road, Matau Road, Douglas Road North, Soldiers Road, Stanley Road, Kupe Road, Wingrove Road, Bird Road, Puniwhakau Road and State Highway 43 with severe flooding at Strathmore.
Contractors are working to clear these roads as soon as possible.
In town, Miranda Street North is closed due to flooding and motorists are asked to please obey all signage regarding the closure.
Sports games across the district were cancelled today due to the severe weather conditions. Games will be rescheduled and players advised of timings early next week.
Meanwhile, the clean-up of the New Plymouth CBD has been going well and it will be business as usual tonight, with restaurants, hotels and other entertainment venues open after much of the town was closed due to sewage overflows and flooding.
Keep an eye on the Stratford District Council website for updates.