A very large low‑pressure system is moving over Aotearoa New Zealand, and we are closely monitoring its potential impacts on our district.
MetService New Zealand has issued a Red Heavy Rain Warning for our area.
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Severe Weather Event - 21-22 January
Jump to a section: Key Information | Keep up-to-date | Escarpment information | Get prepared
Key information
- Bay of Plenty-wide State of Local Emergency declared
This is a precautionary step that allows Civil Defence and emergency services to act quickly if needed to help keep people safe. - We have activated our Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) at 1pm today. Emergency Management staff are working closely with the Bay of Plenty Regional Council Flood Room, emergency services, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, and neighbouring councils to monitor river levels, assess impacts, and coordinate a response as conditions develop.
- Prioritise safety, keep off roads, and stay well clear of floodwaters.
- People in low-lying or high-risk areas, or those living or working near steep cliffs, should be prepared to self-evacuate if they feel unsafe.
Forecast Period
1:00 pm Wednesday 21 January – 9:00 am Thursday 22 January
- During this period, parts of the district could receive a further 180-240 mm of rain on top of what has already fallen, with heavy bursts of 25-35 mm per hour.
- This represents a significant amount of rainfall over a relatively short time.
- This is one of the higher rainfall totals forecast for our rohe in recent years, and it warrants attention.
MetService have upgraded this to a Red Warning
Impact: Threat to life from dangerous river conditions, significant flooding and slips. Conditions will disrupt travel, make some roads impassable, and isolate communities.
Action: Do not enter floodwaters and avoid travel. Act quickly to self-evacuate if you see rising water. Be ready for power and communications outages.
Visit Metservice.com for the latest forecast »
What to Expect
- Streams and rivers may rise rapidly, and flooding is possible.
- Slips are expected, particularly near steep slopes, escarpments, and cliffs.
- Roads may become slippery quickly – please slow down, increase following distances, and avoid unnecessary travel where possible.
Report any issues
- For urgent assistance, call us on 07 306 0500 (available 24/7)
- Non urgent assistance - use our Fix It and Report a Problem form
- If there is immediate danger or serious threat to life, call 111.
Latest update: Wednesday 21 January 4pm
Bay of Plenty-wide State of Local Emergency declared
Earlier this afternoon, Bay of Plenty Civil Defence declared a Bay of Plenty-wide State of Local Emergency.
What does this mean?
There is no need to panic. This is a precautionary step that allows Civil Defence and emergency services to act quickly if needed to help keep people safe.
This can include closing roads or public places, carrying out urgent works, securing unsafe structures, and providing food, shelter or first aid.
What this means for you
You can still go about your daily business under a State of Local Emergency, but make sure you listen to and follow any instructions from civil defence and emergency services.
Previous updates
- Wednesday 21 January 1:20pm: Whakatāne District Council activates Emergency Operations Centre due to severe weather
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Whakatāne District Council has activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) at 1pm today, in response to the severe weather affecting the Bay of Plenty.
The activation follows MetService New Zealand’s escalation of the Heavy Rain Warning from Orange to Red, with forecasts indicating significant additional rainfall of 180-240mm, on top of what has already fallen. Conditions are expected to remain volatile, with heightened risks of flooding, slips, road closures, and potential community isolation.
Stay up to date
We will be updating the information on our website as the situation evolves, you can also get the latest updates and guidance from these channels:
- National Emergency Management Agency Website | X (formerly Twitter) | Facebook
- Weather warnings from MetService
- Waka Kotahi Map: Road closures and traffic conditions
- Bay of Plenty Civil Defence website | Facebook page
- Check the Whakatāne District Council Facebook page »
- Tune in to Radio
- 1XX - 90.5FM Whakatāne | 1242AM Whakatāne | 92.9FM Ōhope Beach | Listen Online
- Sun FM - 106.5 FM | Listen Online
- Tumeke FM - 96.9 FM | Listen Online
For media enquiries email media@whakatane.govt.nz.
Get prepared | Me takatū
The GetReady website is a great resource for people to check out, with lots of information and tips for how people can prepare for a storm. Think about your family members, pets and belongings – be prepared to leave if you need to, and have enough supplies to sustain yourself for up to three days. If you are reliant on prescription medication, it is worth ensuring you have enough supplies to get you through next week.
So, how can you and your whānau get prepared and keep safe?
- Stay up to date with the latest weather warnings from MetService
- Make a household plan that includes your pets, and ensure everyone living in your whare / home understands the plan - in case you need to evacuate.
- Have a grab bag with essential items ready to go.
- Be prepared for possible power outages and check emergency supplies.
- Clear debris and leaves from drains and gutters to help prevent surface flooding
- Check on your friends, whānau, neighbours and anyone who might need your help. Have they got everything they need?
- Trust your danger sense. There won’t always be time for an official warning. It is important to recognise the natural warning signs and act quickly.
Boil Water Notice for Rūātoki
Due to recent heavy rainfall, the Rūātoki Water Treatment Plant’s ultraviolet (UV) treatment system is currently unable to operate effectively. As a result, a Boil Water Notice is now in effect for all residents of Rūātoki.