Vigilance needed around the region's swollen rivers and streams

Waikato Regional Council is urging members of the public to be extra vigilant around the region’s swollen rivers and streams, with water levels in the larger rivers expected to rise further over the next couple of days.

A heavy rainfall warning was in effect for the Central Plateau area this morning, with up to 60mm of rain expected today, and another 20-30mm likely to fall across the middle catchments for both the Waikato and Waipa rivers.

Rainfall totals recorded across the region for the past seven days are as follows:

Location                                             Rainfall (last 7 Days)

Mercer                                                 77mm

Hamilton                                            90mm

Te Awamutu                                     100mm

Te Kuiti                                              126mm

Te Aroha                                            82mm

Matamata                                          110mm

Taupo                                                95mm

Turangi                                              113mm


Duty emergency management officer Adam Munro said persistent rain over the past week has left the ground totally saturated, with today’s rainfall expected to run straight into our waterways.

“The Waikato, Waipa, Waihou and Piako rivers are all swollen and will be further affected by today’s rain, with water levels likely to peak over the weekend for the lower Waikato River.

“Even though the forecast is for improved weather over the weekend, water levels are unlikely to begin receding until early next week. That means parents of children on school holidays will need to be extra vigilant if their kids are near rivers and streams.”

Mr Munro urged members of the public not to endanger their lives by entering either flood waters or swollen rivers and streams given that under those conditions the speed of flow is much faster than normal.

He also issued a reminder to motorists to slow down, turn their headlights on and increase following distances to allow more room to stop quickly.

“Motorists should also remain alert to the possibility of surface flooding and the potential for slips on the region’s roads,” Mr Munro warned.

Meanwhile, council staff are liaising with Mighty River Power to monitor flows through the hydro system.

This media item was current at its release date. The facts or figures it contains may have changed since its original publication.