Rain Across the Eastern Bay of Plenty Causing Surface Flooding and Road Closures

A heavy rain watch remains in place for the Bay of Plenty, about and east of Whakatāne, until 4pm Thursday, April 9.

MetService said the region can expect period of heavy rain with amounts that may approach warning criteria.

“Low chance of upgrading to a warning,” it said.

"Further heavy rain (associated with Cyclone Vaianu) is possible on Sunday and a new Watch may be issued for this area closer to the time."

The latest forecast track map issued by Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre. IMAGE // MetService

Another heavy rain watch is in place for the Bay of Plenty, west of Whakatāne on Sunday, April 12 from 2am to 4pm.

"Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach or exceed warning criteria," said MetService

"Large swells and coastal inundation are likely. High chance of upgrading to a Warning."

A strong wind watch has also been issued for Te Ika-a-Māui, North Island, from 1am to 11pm on Sunday.

MetService said easterly quarter winds turn southwesterly to the west, some are likely to reasch severe gale in exposed places.

It said uncertainty remains over the cyclone's exact track, so the location of the most severe wind remains unknown.

“As confidence in the track increases, parts of this Watch will be upgraded to Orange or possibly Red Warnings,” said MetService.

“Vaianu will also bring heavy rain, with Heavy Rain Watches and/or Warnings likely to be issued on Thursday for some areas. High chance of upgrading to a Warning.”

State Highway 2 through the Waioweka Gorge is closed. IMAGE // NZTA

NZTA said the Waioweka Gorge will be closed until later today. 

It said following a slip overnight, the risk has been reassessed and they have decided to prioritise the safety of their crews and motorists. 

"People are urged to delay travel where possible or allow at least 3 hours of extra time for a long detour either via State Highway 35 or State Highway 5," it said. 

NZTA crews will continue monitoring and maintaining the detour route to ensure it remains safe and accessible."

It urges road users to take extra care in the region due to surface flooding in other areas around the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

The road was closed this morning, and reopened for a period of time this morning. 

Whakatāne District Council is reporting a number of hazards caused by the wet weather.

It said crews are on their way to Tahuna Road, where a fallen tree is blocking one lane.

The community is urged to avoid 58 The Strand outside the former Framer shop, and 28 Muriwai Drive near Wairaka Centennial Playground due to surface flooding.

“The Peace Street ford is working as it should - moving surface water away from houses and over the road into the sponge reserve stormwater drainage area,” said the council.

“Please avoid Peace Street if you can due to the surface flooding over the ford area.”

Herepuru Rd, at the State Highway 2 end, has been closed since 8:00pm on Tuesday until further notice. 

A boil notice is in place for Rūātoki residents.

The council said the recent heavy rain means the Rūātoki Water Treatment Plant isn’t working properly.

“The water is dirty and cloudy (high turbidity), which means the UV system may not be removing all the bugs from the water.”

Residents should boil water for at least 3 minutes before using it for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, or preparing food.

“If you're using an electric jug, you may need to boil it twice to reach 3 minutes,” said the council.

“This notice is a precaution and will stay in place until the water is confirmed safe to drink.”

Council is testing daily.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council senior maritime officer for the eastern region Dan Bramley said the Whakatāne river is expected to peak "just below the boats out warning level later today."

"Be aware there is debris in the river and more likely to come down over the next few days," said Bramley.

He said with the "already saturated catchment" it wont take much for rain to rigger the river level warnings. 

"There will also be very strong winds expected from possibly every direction so please take the chance to check on your vessel tomorrow during a break in the weather."

The Harbourmaster, Flood and Emergency Management Teams are monitoring the situation.