Heavy rainfall forecast for Horizons Region from Sunday afternoon

Manawatū-Whanganui Emergency Management Group recommends people make preparations in advance of heavy rain and winds which are forecast to affect the region from Sunday afternoon.

MetService has issued the following severe weather warnings for the region:

Tararua District

• From 3pm Sunday until 7pm Monday, expect 140 to 180mm of rain, especially in eastern areas and about the Tararua Range. Intensities of 20 to 25 mm per hour about the hills and ranges, especially overnight Sunday to Monday.
• From 6pm Sunday until 6am Monday, expect severe gale southwesterlies with damaging gusts of 130kmh in exposed places.

Inland Whanganui District, Manawatū and Rangitīkei districts north of Marton, and Ruapehu District south of Waimarino

• From 6pm Sunday until 2pm Monday, expect 120 to 170mm of rain with peak rates of 10 to 20mm per hour on Sunday night.

Rangitīkei District north of Marton

• From 5pm Sunday until 7am Monday, expect severe gale west-to-southwesterlies with damaging gusts of 130kmh in exposed places.

There are also strong wind watches in place for all other parts of the region from Sunday evening until Monday morning.

There are also strong wind watches in place for all other parts of the region from Sunday evening until Monday morning.

Horizons Regional Council manager emergency management Chay Hook says the weather is expected to cause issues.

“Conditions are going to significantly worsen throughout Sunday afternoon and overnight. We expect this rain to cause flooding and landslips across the region.

“The Tararua District is forecast to be especially at risk of flooding and landslips, while rivers throughout Whanganui, Manawatū and Rangitīkei districts will also have significant rainfall flow into them.”

It is always better to be cautious and prepare early, especially with the worst weather expected overnight, says Mr Hook.

“If your home is in a warning area, and you know it regularly floods when there is significant rainfall, you should be prepared to leave. It is always better to leave before a flood, rather than trying to evacuate when areas are flooded.

“If you see rising water, do not wait for official warnings. Trust your ‘danger sense’, head to higher ground, and stay out of flood waters.

“Never, ever try to walk, play, swim or drive in flood water. People have sadly died during recent weather events, including one person this weekend, after becoming trapped in flood waters.

“There are actions people can take now which will make things safer for them during a storm:

• Move any items from areas of your property that are prone to flooding.
• Clear gutters and drains to help prevent surface flooding.
• Bring inside anything that can be broken or picked up by strong winds, or tie them down.
• Identify a safe location in your whare (home) for household members to gather during a thunderstorm in case you need to shelter in place.
• Keep materials at hand for repairing windows, such as tarpaulins, boards and duct tape.
• Bring pets inside where possible.
• If you have livestock, know which paddocks are safe to move them away from floodwaters, landslides, isolated trees, and power lines.

“If you are in a property that could be or is being impacted by landslide debris, move to the side of the house furthest from the landslide. This is likely to be the safest location within your property.

“If a landslide occurs – or you see any signs that the ground is unstable – evacuate immediately. If lives are in danger, call 111.

“Reduce your personal risks – after or during heavy rainfall, don’t drive unless absolutely necessary and stay away from areas where landslides have occurred previously.

“Given there are strong winds forecast, people should prepare for the possibility of losing power. Make sure devices and battery packs are charged, and that you have a battery-powered radio you can use to listen to news updates.”

Dangerous conditions are forecast for coastal areas, with heavy swells along eastern and western coasts. Combined waves are forecast to be as large as 8 metres in some areas, says Mr Hook.

“Coastal areas are especially vulnerable due to the combination of waves, rainfall and river mouths. Stay out of the water, away from beaches, and be prepared to move to higher ground. You do not need to wait for official evacuation orders to move to if you feel unsafe.

“Boats should be moored securely or moved to a safe location. Use rope or chain to secure boat trailers. Use tie-downs to anchor a trailer to the ground or to a building.”

More preparedness information is available via our website mwcdem.govt.nz and the Get Ready website.

“People can keep up to date with any key information on this weather event on the Manawatū-Whanganui Civil Defence Facebook page or our website mwcdem.govt.nz.

“If at any time you, your family and/or your property are at risk, immediately contact emergency services on 111.”