9PM: Update
The Bay of Plenty Regional Council Flood Room continues to closely monitor the effects of the current weather system on our region’s rivers.
Duty Flood Manager Pete Blackwood says rivers are continuing to rise, however flows are still not expected to trigger levels that would affect properties within flood protected schemes.
The Waioeka and Otara Rivers are due to peak at around midnight tonight. The Tauranga River is predicted to peak at 6am tomorrow and the Whakatane at 11am. Rotorua stream levels continue to be monitored but have started to recede.
Rain is forecast to continue to fall in the Eastern Bay until around 4am tomorrow (Friday 5 July). Rainfall intensity is starting to drop off in the Western Bay and Rotorua.
Earlier today standard flood monitoring actions were taken, including:
• Activating the procedures set out in the Lake Matahina Management Plan to request that TrustPower spill water from the Matahina Dam in preparation for an expected 8am Friday peak of the Rangitāiki River.
• Notifying farmers with properties adjoining the Rangitāiki, Otara, Waioeka, Kaituna, Whakatāne and Tauranga Rivers via automated message to move stock to higher ground in preparation for river rises predicated to occur overnight.
The Flood Room remains staffed overnight and any updates to the current situation will be shared on the Bay of Plenty Regional Council Facebook page and via local radio.
5PM: Update:
The Bay of Plenty Regional Council Flood Room has been activated since 1pm today (Thursday 4 July 2019) to closely monitor the effects of the current weather system on our region’s rivers.
Duty Flood Manager Mark Townsend says the increased river flows are not expected to trigger levels that would affect properties within flood protected schemes.
Earlier today, under the procedures set out in the Lake Matahina Management Plan, Mr Townsend requested that TrustPower spill water from the Matahina Dam in preparation for an expected 8am Friday peak of the Rangitāiki River.
Farmers with properties adjoining the Rangitāiki, Otara, Waioeka, Whakatāne and Tauranga Rivers have received an automated message to move stock to higher ground in preparation for river rises predicated to occur this evening and overnight.
In anticipation of debris being brought down the Whakatāne River, the Harbour Master has asked boat owners to remove moored vessels.
Rotorua Stream levels are being monitored. The Kaituna River is not expected to reach warning levels.
A situation report is expected at 8.30pm.
Listen to local radio stations or follow our facebook page for the latest information.