12:00 AM Wed 21 January 2026
Manawatū-Whanganui Emergency Managment Group is asking people in the region to be prepared for the possible impacts of the weather event heading towards Aotearoa New Zealand.
MetService has issued multiple rain and wind watches and warnings across the motu, including red rain warnings for Northland, Coromandel, Bay of Plenty and Gisborne, in advance of Tropical Depression 05F (previously known as Tropical Low 14U) making landfall.
Group controller Craig Grant says staff are actively monitoring the situation as the tropical depression approaches.
“There are currently no severe weather warnings in our region, and the only yellow severe weather watch is for possible heavy rain and strong wind in Waitomo,” says Mr Grant.
“However, the predicted path of the tropical depression continues to move south as forecasts are updated. Just this morning, Hawke’s Bay was placed under an orange severe rain warning."
The watches and warnings around the Manawatū-Whanganui Region, as of noon Wednesday 21 January 2026.
“With the current forecast, it is possible there will be impacts to Tararua east of the Puketoi Range due to a combination of rainfall and ocean swells.
“We are also expecting rain for the northern parts of Ruapehu District to result in rivers and streams rising. However, based on current forecasts, Ruapehu waterways are not expected to rise to levels seen during October’s flooding.”
People should avoid travelling to areas with weather warnings in place, Mr Grant says.
"Many of those areas area already experiencing road closures and other impacts from the rain which has already come through. Staying out of those areas will keep you safe and ensure open roads remain clear for emergency services."
Mr Grant says people should take the time to prepare, even if they are not under warnings or watches.
“There are simple things you can do like ensuring you have supplies ready in case you need to stay at home for a prolonged period, as well as preparing a grab bag of essential items for if you need to evacuate in a hurry.
“Move any items from areas of your property that are prone to flooding and clear gutters and drains to help prevent surface flooding.
“We’ll be closely monitoring the weather, and you can keep up to date with any key information via our website and the Manawatū-Whanganui Civil Defence Facebook page
“People can find a full list of radio stations to listen to via our website’s Stay Informed section
“If at any time you, your family and/or your property are at risk, immediately contact emergency services on 111.”