Monday 13 February, 2023
Mayor Rehette Stoltz urges people to stay home as the whole district is now under Red weather warnings.
North of Tolaga Bay has been under Red weather warnings since Saturday and now Gisborne south of Tolaga Bay has been upgraded to Red as well – this is the highest warning given by the MetService.
Between 250 to 300mm of rain is expected north of Tolaga Bay, and south of Tolaga Bay there's 100 to 150mm of rain expected on top of what has already fallen.
The rainfall comes alongside gale-force winds up to 130kmh and waves of around 6-8m with a strong storm surge.
Tairāwhiti Civil Defence Controller Ben Green says high tide at 11.45pm is a concern for the region.
“The Hikuwai River is at 12.6m and rising. Other rivers are also rising rapidly, and we are keeping a close eye on those.”
From 7pm, SH35 will be closed around the whole coast from Okitu to Opotiki.
Report any power outages to Eastland Network on 0800 206 207.
Keep up to date with local road closures on Council’s website.
Keep up to date with SH closures on Waka Kotahi’s website.
Flooding problems on your property? | Gisborne District Council (gdc.govt.nz)
Please keep an eye on Council's website and the Facebook pages for Council and Tairāwhiti Civil Defence for the latest information.
To report anything, contact Council on 0800 653 800, use the GDC FIX app on any smartphone, email service@gdc.govt.nz or use the eFix service on Council’s website.
Useful links:
Keep up to date with MetService weather https://www.metservice.com/town.../locations/gisborne/7-days
Subscribe to civil defence text alerts https://www.gdc.govt.nz/.../subscribe-to-flood-warning...
River level forecast https://www.gdc.govt.nz/.../maps-and.../river-level-forecast
Rainfall data https://www.gdc.govt.nz/envir.../maps-and-data/rainfall-data
Hikuwai River over SH35
Bridge on Waikura Road
Wharekahika flooded by storm surge
SH35 south of Huriharama
