Rainfall heaviest in western catchments overnight

More rain fell across the Waikato overnight, with heaviest falls recorded in western parts of the region.

Rain eased overnight in the Coromandel and Hauraki Plains areas and rivers should start to recede in those areas later today.

Environment Waikato river management teams will continue monitoring rainfall and river levels in eastern parts of the region and will keep working to ensure river channels are clear and flood pumps are working to full capacity, to clear residual surface water.

Meanwhile, the council’s response team is now closely focused on the region’s western catchments today, particularly the Waipa and Waikato river catchments.

Over the past 12 hours the heaviest rain in the region has been over the upper Waipa River catchment, with 54mm recorded at the Ngaroma monitoring station east of Te Kuiti.

“We are experiencing high flows throughout the Waipa and Waikato rivers and we are working with Mighty River Power to minimise as much as possible the impact of those flows in the lower Waikato area,” Environment Waikato emergency management officer Adam Munro said.

“There is potential for ongoing surface flooding in the western catchments today, particularly from Ngaruawahia down to Port Waikato due to continuing wet conditions.”

MetService is forecasting some heavy showers in the Waikato region this morning and a period of rain later today.

“We will be watching the forecast very closely and tracking flows in the Waipa and Waikato rivers and tributaries,” Mr Munro said.

Environment Waikato chairman Peter Buckley reminds all farmers to remain aware of the weather situation and take all precautions.

People who need help and advice can call the Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254.