Holidaymakers and residents in the eastern Bay of Plenty are being advised to take care as river levels are still rising, roads are closed and surface flooding continues.
Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s duty flood manager, Ken Tarborton said there had been some wild weather and a lot of rain which resulted in a lot of surface flooding and some road closures.
Mr Tarboton said rivers in the eastern Bay had risen overnight and would continue to do this for some time today given the heavy rainfall in the ranges.
Some roads are closed due to the flooding and the local council advises people to check for the latest information on www.whakatane.govt.nz and www.nzta.govt.nz.
Some of the current closures are:
- State Highway 2 at Waimana flooded and closed at Wardlaw Glade.
- Valley Road between Whakatāne and Tāneatua flooded during night but was open to vehicles travelling with caution.
- Wainui Road is still flooded at Glenholme Road. Also closed off between Cheddar Valley and Stanley Road.
- Kopuriki Road is still flooded at Rabbit Bridge.
- Possible surface flooding on Kaituna Right Bank at Te Matai.
Mr Tarboton said regional council staff were continuing to work throughout the day to monitor the situation and undertake any emergency works that might be required.
3 News