Heavy rain warning issued for Tongariro National Park, rivers may rise rapidly

Heavy rain is forecast for Tongariro National Park on Thursday. Photo / NZME

A heavy rain warning is in place for Tongariro National Park.

MetService said 100-130mm of rain was forecast, with peak intensities of 20-30mm an hour. The forecaster classifies anything more than 7-8mm as heavy rain that is likely to cause impact.

The orange warning is in place from 10am to midnight tomorrow. Orange signals heavy rain that is likely to affect the area and is one level below a red warning, which is in state of emergency and evacuation territory.

MetService meteorologist Katie Hillyer said the weather was coming from the northwest, which was directing the northerly flow around Tongariro National Park.

She said because the national park was exposed, the up-flow of wind was likely to be greater than in Whanganui and surrounding areas.

“For anyone that was hoping to go tramping, that’s definitely not a good idea, but for people in Whanganui, it will be a rainy day with maybe some bits of heavier rain.

“If you are in [the park] area, you want to be careful on the roads, drive to conditions and make sure you clear your gutters and drains.”

Civil Defence Manawatū Whanganui advised those in the area to avoid low-lying areas.

The rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. It could also cause flooding, slips and difficult driving conditions.

A yellow rain watch, which may bring periods of heavy rain, is being monitored for Ruapehu District from Ōwhango north.

A yellow warning means MetService expects heavy, potentially severe, rain.

Hillyer said an update was likely to be available about 8.30-9pm tonight.

Keep an eye on the weather and visit www.metservice.com/warnings/home for the latest updates.