Cyclone Hale causes rising river levels, bridge closures and power outages in Wairoa
Wairoa District Council has established an Incident Management Team as power outages, rising river levels and bridge closures caused by ex-Cyclone Hale impact the district.
MetService has issued fresh warnings tonight for heavy rain and strong winds, as the first tropical storm of the year continues to track across the country.
A heavy rainfall warning is in place for Hawke's Bay for 14 hours from 8pm this evening to 10am tomorrow morning.
MetService is forecasting a further 60 to 80 mm of rain, in addition to what has already fallen. Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.
Thunderstorms with heavy falls are possible inland during Wednesday afternoon and evening.
In a statement issued this evening, Wairoa District Council said the intensity of Cyclone Hale is being felt locally with heavy rainfall across the district.
"Wairoa District Council has established an Incident Management Team which is monitoring the situation and on standby.
"While the impact of the Cyclone is not yet being fully realised, people throughout the district should be reassured that plans are in place for if the situation escalates," a spokesperson said.
"Service agencies are also prepared, offering extra support and also have staff on standby."
Heavy rainfall is expected to continue overnight and tomorrow morning with forecasts suggesting the Wairoa district is likely to receive more rain than the rest of Hawke’s Bay.
"Hawke’s Bay Regional Council do not expect any major issues with the Wairoa River and are happy with the river mouth location and width, and do not foresee any issues, but will continue to monitor the situation," the spokesperson said.
Rising levels of the Hangaroa/Ruakituri River reached a trigger point activating the closure of Te Reinga Bridge, which underwent repair work in 2022 following storm damage, to vehicles and pedestrians as a safety precaution.
The Tiniroto Road is closed at the Gisborne end due to flooding.
The Kopuawhara Stream, Opoutama, is rising and Kaiwaitau Road residents have been advised that if the stream continues to rise evacuation may be needed. Pumps and hoses are in position if needed.
Residents in the immediate vicinity of the Nuhaka River/Bar catchment are also being monitored.
Heavy rain is causing surface flooding and while people are advised to stay home, if you have to drive, please exercise caution on all roads.
Locally, there are excavators and loaders placed at strategic positions throughout the district in order to clear roads, with additional machinery based in Wairoa and ready to be deployed if required.
Eastland Network, which distributes electricity for Gisborne, Wairoa and the East Coast, have reported a number of power outages.
"Our crews have been working hard to locate and fix faults today as quickly and safely as possible. However, some residents on Tauwhareparae Road, Tapuaeroa, Kanakanaia Road, Waipiro Bay, Matawai and Ngamotu Road are without power and will remain so overnight.
"We are expecting a few more outages to occur overnight so please report them to 0800 206 207. Please treat all lines as live at all times."
If you feel you, your family and/or your property are at risk, immediately contact emergency services on 111. For any Wairoa District Council related reports, such as blocked roads, please phone the Council’s 24/7 number, 06 838 7309.
