Heavy Rain Warnings Issued for Bay of Plenty

MetService have issued an orange heavy rain warning and a heavy rain watch across the Bay of Plenty for tomorrow afternoon and early Saturday morning.

MetService have issued yet another heavy rain warning for the Bay of Plenty. 

The Bay east of Whakatāne has been issued an orange heavy rain warning from 5pm Firday until 3am Saturday. 

70 to 90 mm of rain is forecast with peak rates of 20 to 30 mm/h about the ranges.

MetService said thunderstorms, rising rivers and slips are possible through out the warning. 

It said residents should clear drains and gutters to prepare for the rain, as well as avoiding low-lying areas and driving cautiously during the warning.

There is a minimal chance of upgrading to a red warning. 

A heavy rain watch has also been issued for the Bay west of Whakatāne from 3pm until 12pm on Friday. 

MetService said periods of heavy rain with possible evening thunderstorms could be expected. 

It said there is a moderate chance of upgrading to a warning.

NZTA will preemptively close State Highway 35 at the Punaruku slip site, between Wharekahika/Hicks Bay and Te Araroa, from 10pm tonight through to 8am Saturday 6 June.

It said the decision follows significant rainfall this week and forecasts of heavy rain in the early hours of Saturday morning, which is expected to meet or exceed this site’s trigger levels for a road closure.

“The hillside remains in a fragile condition following the late January storm, and the combination of sodden ground conditions and further heavy rain increases the risk of additional movement at the site.”

An inspection will be carried out at first light on Saturday, with an update on the road status expected by 8am.

Area Manager for Maintenance and Operations in Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne, Martin Colditz, said they understand the closure will be disruptive for residents, businesses and whanau travelling through the area; however, safety must come first.

“The hillside is vulnerable, and with more heavy rainfall forecast, taking a precautionary approach is the safest option. Closing the road overnight reduces the risk to road users.”

The transport agency urge the community to be prepared for the possibility of this closure happening earlier than planned and at short notice if weather conditions change.

State Highway 2 through the Waioweka Gorge will remain open, despite the heavy rain warning.

NZTA have reviewed their response thresholds under the Trigger Action Response Plan (TARP), which guides when the road should be monitored or closed during adverse weather.

“The Trigger Action Response Plan (TARP) is in place for the Waioweka Gorge as it helps us respond early if conditions change,” it said.

Under the updated approach, an orange severe weather warning will now trigger heightened monitoring rather than an automatic closure.

“NZTA crews [will] carefully monitor conditions through the Gorge, paying close attention to known problem areas like the Goldsmith Slip.”

However, a red warning will still result in a full closure due to the increased risk of slips and debris.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Eastern Region Senior Maritime Officer Daniel Bramley said moorings have been checked an debris from previous weather cleared this morning. 

The warnings come just two days after an orange heavy rain warning west of Whakatāne, which saw the Waioweka Gorge close. 

With the new warnings and watches, he advises all boaties to check and prepare their vessels. 

"The BoPRC Flood and Harbourmaster Team are monitoring the situation and will send updates as required."