Key Takeaways:
- State Highway 35 at Tolaga Bay has reopened to one lane and is expected to be fully reopened by mid-morning
- Dozens of people were evacuated and spent the night at Tolaga Bay Area School’s gymnasium due to flooding
- NZ Transport Agency / Waka Kotahi is urging caution for travelers, warning of possible flooding, slips, and debris in the region
- Crews are monitoring a buildup of woody debris around Gladstone Road bridge on SH35 in Gisborne
- Residents in Gisborne are being advised to be prepared and cautious, with a focus on monitoring the Taruheru River
Introduction to the Situation
The severe weather conditions in Tolaga Bay have led to the closure of State Highway 35, with the road being reopened to one lane and expected to be fully operational by mid-morning. The flooding, which occurred on Saturday, forced the evacuation of dozens of people, who spent the night at Tolaga Bay Area School’s gymnasium. The majority of the evacuees were tent campers from Tolaga Bay Top 10 Camp, who were relocated early on Saturday night. Despite the road reopening, the NZ Transport Agency / Waka Kotahi is urging caution for travelers, warning of possible flooding, slips, and debris in the region.
The Evacuation Efforts
The evacuation efforts were led by the awa Civil Defence, with deputy civil defence officer Nori Parata stating that the rain had been torrential, forcing the opening of the Civil Defence base to accommodate travelers and campers. The base was well-equipped with mattresses, kai, and other supplies, with Parata stating that they were "set up to cater in these emergencies. This is not our first rodeo." The Tolaga Bay Holiday Park, which had just reopened this season after recovering from Cyclone Gabrielle three years ago, was also affected by the flooding. The park’s reopening is a significant development, as it provides an essential service to the local community and tourists alike. However, the flooding has once again highlighted the vulnerability of the area to severe weather conditions.
Weather Conditions and Warnings
The MetService meterologist Braydon White reported that rain of more than 50mm/h had fallen in Tolaga Bay since 8pm on Saturday, with some reasonably large accumulations of rainfall on Sunday morning, especially on the East Cape. Although the orange-level heavy rain warning had expired at 8am, the awa Civil Defence warned on Facebook that the wharf bridge was "underwater and dangerous", advising people to stay home, stay off the roads, and keep themselves safe. The warning highlights the importance of staying informed and up-to-date with the latest weather forecasts and warnings, especially in areas prone to severe weather conditions.
Gisborne Residents Advised to Be Prepared
Meanwhile, Tai Rāwhiti Civil Defence is monitoring the situation in the city of Gisborne, with group controller Ben Green stating that there was a lot of surface flooding across the region. The Waimatā River and the Tarahiru River had remained steady overnight, but residents were advised to be prepared and cautious, with a focus on monitoring the Taruheru River, which flows through Gisborne City. Green advised people to check in with their neighbors, ensure they are aware of the current situation, and proactively evacuate if they feel unsafe. The Gisborne District Council website is also providing text alerts for people to sign up for, allowing residents to stay informed and up-to-date with the latest developments.
Conclusion and Future Developments
In conclusion, the severe weather conditions in Tolaga Bay have led to the closure of State Highway 35, with the road being reopened to one lane and expected to be fully operational by mid-morning. The evacuation efforts, led by the awa Civil Defence, have been successful in relocating dozens of people to safety. However, the NZ Transport Agency / Waka Kotahi is urging caution for travelers, warning of possible flooding, slips, and debris in the region. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential for residents and travelers to stay informed and up-to-date with the latest weather forecasts and warnings, and to follow the advice of local authorities. By doing so, we can minimize the risks associated with severe weather conditions and ensure the safety of everyone involved.