Rivers monitored in Manawatū as water levels rise
The Pohangina River rises and parts of Pohangina Valley in flood.
Rivers will be monitored overnight and road closures could be enforced as water levels rise in Manawatū.
Heavy wind and rain on Tuesday has meant Horizons Regional Council river management staff will be keeping a close eye on river levels across the region on Tuesday night.
The Manawatū River level predictions signal a possible Moutoa floodgate operation in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Horizons group manager river management Ramon Strong said rain in Tararua and Manawatū catchments had caused river levels to rise.
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"At this stage it is predicted to peak between 5.2 and 5.5 metres at the old Teachers' College recorder site [on Wednesday] morning," he said.
Water laps over the top of the Pohangina River bridge near Totara Reserve.
"Experience from previous events tells us this is likely to translate into requiring a gate operation at Moutoa at approximately 2am [on Wednesday] and a closure of Ōpiki, SH56 about 9pm this evening.
"We have notified landowners in the spillway of the potential closure and will have gate operation crews on site [on Tuesday night]."
Strong said his staff would also be keeping a close eye on the Rangitīkei, Pohangina and Ōroua rivers.
"The Rangitīkei is currently at 7.1m at Mangaweka, and may rise another half a metre, making it one of the largest events since 2004. As a precautionary measure we have a crew on standby to deploy the Tangimoana floodgates as well.
"The Pohangina is getting near its expected peak of 3.9m but may result in road closures. Our emergency management staff have been in touch with the school, camping ground and Highland Home to advise of this.
"The Ōroua is currently at 6m at Kopane Bridge and may result in the Kopane spillway operating. If this happens landowners will be notified via the automated call out system."
In the eastern part of the region the Owahanga and Waihi rivers are high and may result in road closures. At this stage there are no areas of concern for the Mangaone and Makino streams.
The swollen Pohangina River from Raumai Bridge on Pohangina East Valley Road.
"There are also no concerns for the Whanganui River which is currently only at 6m at Pipiriki. However, we will keep an eye on all river systems overnight and ensure we are prepared to respond as necessary," Strong said.
A road north of Palmerston North was flooded, after a stream off the Pohangina River burst its banks in heavy rain.
Pohangina Valley East Rd was flooded, and reports suggested water was up to a metre deep in places, a police spokeswoman said on Tuesday afternoon.
"There's extensive flooding on the road."
The road is open, but has water across the tarmac.
Manawatū District Council would likely organise contractors to help at the site, she said.
Floodwater from the Pohangina River in parts of Pohangina Valley.
Awahōu School at Pohangina had to close early on Tuesday after stream levels rose during the day.
The call was made to close the school at 11.30am and the children were sent home by 12.30pm, principal Matt Schmidt said.
"The Raumai bridge, that's probably the highest I've seen [the water level]," he said. "Probably a couple of feet under the bridge."
Wet weather also caused the closure of some roads in Tararua due to slips.
Huia Rd south of Pongaroa, Haunui Rd near Tiraumea, Makairo Track near Kumeroa and Route 52 near Weber are closed.
Heavy rain had caused the Oroua River to rise at Timona Park in Feilding.
- Stuff
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