South Taranaki Weathers the Storm

Well, it seems Taranaki dodged a bullet overnight. We didn’t get the amount of rain expected and most rain fell off the coast rather than on land. River levels are steady or falling for the moment, but the soil is saturated so there remains a risk of rising again if there is further rain.

The Metservice have amended the Heavy Rain warning for Taranaki to only apply to Taranaki Maunga for 24 hours until 9am Friday 6 May. In addition to the rain that has already accumulated on the Maunga we are excepting a further 90 to 130mm. Peak rates of 15 to 30 mm/h excepted overnight Friday.

Taranaki Civil Defence Emergency Management and the regions Councils will continue to monitor the situation into the weekend as renewed heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.

In South Taranaki we were largely unscathed overnight. We received a couple of reports of surface flooding at Maata Road and on the corner of Rowen and Skeet Roads (blocked culvert), and a fallen tree on Ararata Road which has subsequently been cleared.

As storms like this become more common, it’s important to be prepared. We want to thank the South Taranaki community who stayed informed, got prepared and listened to official advice.

Things people can do now:

• Check in on neighbours, friends or whānau/ family who may have been affected and offer support.
• Stay away from damaged and flooded areas, including rivers.
• Continue to stay up to date with the latest weather information from https://www.metservice.com/
• Stay alert for any extended rainfall and subsequent flooding.
• If your property is damaged, please contact your insurance company or insurance broker as soon as possible. If you rent your property, contact your landlord and your contents insurance company as soon as possible.