Key Takeaways
- Heavy rain has caused surface flooding in the South Taranaki town of Hāwera, leading to the closure of several streets.
- The extreme rainfall was centered around the central and southern parts of the district, with most calls coming from Hāwera, Normanby, Manaia, and Pātea.
- Council crews are working to clear drains, put up signage, and implement traffic management in affected areas.
- Residents are advised to take extra care on the roads and avoid driving if possible, particularly on State Highway 3 between Hāwera and Normanby.
- The Hāwera Harness Racing Club has postponed its meeting due to the heavy rain, with plans to reschedule for Sunday.
Introduction to the Flooding
Heavy rain has caused significant disruptions in the South Taranaki town of Hāwera, with surface flooding leading to the closure of several streets. The rain, which was described as "extremely heavy" by a council spokesperson, overwhelmed the stormwater network, causing flooding in various parts of the town. The spokesperson noted that the rain was centered around the central and southern parts of the district, with most calls coming from Hāwera, Normanby, Manaia, and Pātea.
Council Response
The council has responded quickly to the flooding, with crews working to clear drains, put up signage, and implement traffic management in affected areas. The spokesperson stated that all available crews were out in the field, checking drains, clearing sumps, and putting up signage to warn drivers of the flooding. The council has also advised Waka Kotahi/NZTA of the situation, particularly with regards to State Highway 3 between Hāwera and Normanby. The spokesperson urged drivers to take extra care on the roads and avoid driving if possible, especially in areas where flooding was severe.
Resident Experiences
Local residents have taken to social media to share their experiences of the flooding. Beamsley Jesse Heathers, who had just left Hāwera, described the surface flooding as "like rivers through the main streets." He noted that the torrential downpours had made it difficult to see, and he had driven into floods without realizing they were there. Michelle Watt posted that she had recorded 85mls of rain in her gauge over 12 hours, while others shared photos of the surface flooding. The Hāwera Harness Racing Club also announced the postponement of its meeting due to the heavy rain, with plans to reschedule for Sunday.
Emergency Response
The Hāwera Fire and Emergency chief, Merv Watt, reported that the rain had caused some issues, but there had been no major emergency callouts. He noted that the fire department had received one call to a business that needed help to remove water from the premises. The business, a workshop, had been affected by the surface flooding, and the fire department had assisted in cleaning out the water. Watt stated that there had been a lot of surface flooding around the town, and the council had closed off some of the streets. However, he emphasized that there had been no major emergencies, and the situation was being managed effectively.
Conclusion
The heavy rain and surface flooding in Hāwera have caused significant disruptions to the town, with several streets closed and residents advised to take extra care on the roads. The council and emergency services have responded quickly to the situation, with crews working to clear drains and implement traffic management. Residents are advised to stay safe and avoid driving if possible, especially in areas where flooding is severe. The situation is being closely monitored, and the council will continue to provide updates as necessary. In the meantime, residents are advised to stay informed and follow the instructions of local authorities to ensure their safety.