​Severe Weather Event Affecting Taranaki Region

The MetService has issued an Orange heavy rain warning until Friday 5am covering Taranaki north of Opunake to Whangamomona. Expect 350 to 450 mm of rain about the Mountain, 150 to 200 mm west of Urenui to Stratford, and 100 to 150 mm farther east. Peak rates of 25 to 35 mm/h, especially about the Maunga. Note, this is a significant amount of rain, and this warning may be upgraded from orange to red on Thursday morning.

There has been one isolated incident of a family in Egmont Village experiencing flooding on the lower floor of their home.

The Taranaki Emergency Management Office (TEMO) in New Plymouth has activated its Emergency Control Centre team (ECC). The Group Controller is Todd Velvin.

As at 0830 there has been no notifications of slips or road closures from the public or Waka Kotahi NZTA.

With the amount of rain expected to fall, floods and flash flooding can happen quickly. If you see rising water, do not wait for official warnings and head for higher ground and stay away from floodwaters.

Do not try to walk, play, swim or drive in floodwater. Even water just 15 centimetres deep can sweep you off your feet, and half a metre of water will carry away most vehicles. Flood waters can often be contaminated and could be a serious health risk.

TEMO controller Todd Velvin has advised Taranaki residents in low lying areas and adjacent to rivers to be prepared to evacuate and have a grab bag of essentials ready.

Keep your mobile phones on and fully charged so you can receive Emergency Mobile Alerts if the need arises to use that method of communication.

Bring your pets indoors as soon as possible and ensure livestock are moved to high ground.

If your life or the life of others is at risk, call 111.

Help others if it is safe to do so. Check in with neighbours– particularly those who are elderly, vulnerable, have medical conditions or require special assistance.