Thursday 6 September, 2018

Horizons Regional Council river management staff monitoring the Moutoa floodgates overnight say that the Manawatū River peaked at 8.25 metres at the gate site early this morning.

Horizons group manager river management Ramon Strong says substantial amounts of rain fell over the eastern part of the region and the Ruahine Ranges over the past few days causing river levels to rise rapidly, with the Manawatū River peaking earlier than originally predicted.

“Farmers who lease parts of the Moutoa floodway were contacted last night with staff advising that a gate operation was possible this morning. However rainfall overnight was less than forecast with the river peaking within the operating range,” says Mr Strong.

“The Manawatū River, while still very full, is now dropping and our gate operation crew will be stood down.

“The Oroua River also peaked this morning at 2.4 metres and the Pohangina has also remained within its channels and is receding. However any further intense rain around the Ruahines will cause river levels to rise rapidly, with catchments now very saturated.”

“Our river management, hydrology and emergency management teams will continue to keep an eye on all river systems over the next 24 hours,” says Mr Strong.

Members of the public are advised to take care while driving and check the NZ Transport Agency’s website, https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/regions/8 for information on state highway conditions.

Up-to-date information on river heights and rainfall is available via Horizons 24 hour toll-free Waterline 0508 4 FLOOD or via our website www.horizons.govt.nz

Updates will also be posted to the Manawatu-Wanganui Civil Defence page: https://www.facebook.com/civildefencemanawatuwanganui/

For weather forecasting information please see www.metservice.co.nz

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