Heavy Rain Warning - 19 November

We're expecting heavy downpours between 2pm and 4pm today.

• School and commuter traffic - consider leaving early or allowing more time to get to where you need to be. Please take extra care on the roads and drive to the conditions.
• Rivers are rising and with high tide also at 7.30pm, we're expecting some of our more vulnerable roads (such at Tāneatua Road at Red Devon Corner, Rewatu, Reid, and Awahou roads etc) may see flooding. Nearby residents - be prepared. Do not drive through flood waters.
• Rūātoki boil water notice is now in place as at 4.30pm Wednesday 19 November.

Stay safe, plan ahead and check the roading conditions before you travel.

Status of State Highways via NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi - Waikato & Bay of Plenty's Journey Planner.

We are now in the thick of this weather system, and further heavy rain is expected throughout the day.

Key information:

• A Heavy Rain Warning – Orange remains in place for the district.
• This warning is currently in effect until 11pm Wednesday.
• Forecast rainfall is 140–180mm, with localised downpours of 25–40mm per hour.
• The largest rainfall totals are still most likely west of Whakatāne.
• Streams and rivers may rise rapidly.
• Surface flooding and slips remain likely.
• Driving conditions may be hazardous, with poor visibility, flooding, and debris on the roads.
• Residents near cliffs, steep slopes, or escarpments should take extra precautions and consider self-evacuating to a safer location if necessary.

Travel advice:
If you are commuting today, particularly between the Western Bay and Eastern Bay, please reconsider any travel unless it is absolutely essential.

If travel is unavoidable:

• Reduce speed and drive with caution.
• Expect sudden changes in road conditions.
• Allow extra time for your journey.
• Avoid low-lying or flood-prone areas.

While the district experienced a relatively quiet night, conditions are expected to worsen again today. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide further updates as required.

Seen something to report?

• Urgent assistance (24/7): 07 306 0500
• Non-urgent service requests: whakatane.govt.nz/fixit
• Flood preparedness information: getready.govt.nz/emergency/floods

Please stay safe, stay informed, and check in on neighbours or whānau who may need support.

Travel tomorrow only if absolutely essential 

If you usually commute around the rohe, especially those who travel from the Western Bay into the Eastern Bay - with heavy rain and potential localised downpours expected to peak overnight and into tomorrow, please only travel if it is absolutely essential.

Roads across the district may experience:

• Rapid surface flooding
• Slips or debris
• Poor visibility in heavy rain
• Sudden changes in conditions
   

If you can delay or avoid travel tomorrow, please do so. If you must be on the road, take extreme care and allow extra time.
 

Serious weather unfolding across the district
 

The weather has started to turn, and conditions are expected to deteriorate further over the next 24 hours. Please take this seriously and prepare now.

• A Heavy Rain Warning - Orange is in place for our district. This has the potential to be a significant rain event
• While it's already pouring, expect further heavy rain to occur from 8pm today until 8pm tomorrow (24 hours)
• 150-200mm of rain is expected, with localised downpours of 25-40mm an hour possible
• A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is also in place until 3pm today
• The heaviest rain is likely west of Whakatāne
• Heavy rain bands are moving through the Bay of Plenty producing intense localised downpours. These aren’t producing lightning but can still cause flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas like streams, rivers, and narrow valleys.
  
  This means:
   
• Streams and rivers may rise rapidly
• Surface flooding and slips are likely
• Driving conditions will be dangerous - poor visibility, flooding, and debris on roads
• Usual trouble spots like Awahou, Reid, and Wainui roads may again experience flooding
• We are actively monitoring this and will continue to provide further updates.
   
• Latest MetService updates: metservice.com/warnings/home#east-north
• Urgent help: 07 306 0500 (24/7)
• Non-urgent issues: whakatane.govt.nz/fixit
• Prep tips: getready.govt.nz/emergency/floods

Stay connected to official sources and check in on neighbours or whānau who may need support. Kia haumaru te noho / Stay safe and stay dry.

Serious weather incoming - Prepare now 

We're keeping an extremely close eye on the weather, and while the sun might be shining now, things are set to change fast.

Whakatāne District is right in the firing line for a major weather event, with a front moving in from the west and a north-eastern tail set to collide right over us.

This has the potential to be a very serious event, and conditions may change rapidly.

150-200mm of rain is expected, with bursts up to 25mm an hour. This is a significant amount. The heaviest falls likely overnight tonight (Tuesday) and into Wednesday.

• Stay off the roads on Wednesday if you can.
• Streams and rivers could rise quickly.
• Surface flooding, slips, and dangerous driving conditions are likely.
• The ‘usual suspect’ roads, such as Awahou, Reid, and Wainui roads are likely to experience flooding.
• Please do not drive through flood waters.
• Flooding elsewhere may also occur.
• We urge residents near cliffs, steep slopes, and escarpments to take extra precautions and consider self-evacuating to a location without landslide risk.

Preparation checklist:

• Clear gutters and drains of leaves and debris
• Tie down or bring inside anything that could blow away
• Avoid low-lying areas and drive carefully
• Check on neighbours and whānau who might need help

Our Emergency Management team is actively monitoring the situation and will keep you updated. Please keep an eye on official channels for the latest information.

Stay in the loop - www.metservice.com/warnings/home#east-north

Please share with friends, family and neighbours.

Kia haumaru te noho / Stay safe and stay dry out there.