SH35 north of the Turihaua Stream Bridge has been reduced to one lane with a 30km/h speed restriction in place due to an underslip, NZTA said. Photo / NZTA
SH35 north of the Turihaua Stream Bridge has been reduced to one lane with a 30km/h speed restriction in place due to an underslip, NZTA said. Photo / NZTA
Widespread flooding in Tokomaru Bay on the East Coast has forced some families to evacuate and roads to be closed as Civil Defence declares it too "dangerous" to travel.
State Highway 35 is now closed both north and south of the East Coast town as police and Fire and EmergencyNZ crews help locals.
The Karakatuwhero River, north of Te Araroa, has flooded, as has the Wharekahika River.
This is Home at the moment for you guys š Fakafeta'i pe ikai ha moui e mole koe vai pe he funga fonua . PRAYER FOR TOKOMARU AKAU š
The Gisborne District Council has contractors out checking roads.
There were at least four roads currently impassable and closed including Anaura Rd, Waiomatatini Rd, Walker Rd and Tuparoa Rd.
Properties bordering the Wharekahika River have been flooded this morning. Photo / TairÄwhiti Civil Defence
UAWA Live earlier reported major flooding between Tolaga Bay and Gisborne at Rototahi station where there's minor slips and debris on the road. Civil defence is monitoring the situation closely.
The MetService says the rain should ease from 1pm, with the deep low that brought the heavy rain already moving out to sea.
Surface flooding had also started to recede about 10.30am.
At 12.30pm today, MetService said the "complex" continued to affect eastern and central parts of New Zealand.
There was "persistent onshore flow" causing heavy rain warnings and watches in place for Hawke's Bay, Wairarapa, Marlborough and North Canterbury.
Strong southeasterlies, and gales, were now forcing their way across central New Zealand
The Karakatuwhero River, north of Te Araroa, has flooded, causing localised surface flooding. Photo / TairÄwhiti Civil Defence
Meanwhile, MetService has issued a warning of snowfall hazards in the South Island from 3am tomorrow.
