Heavy rain
warning today
MetService has issued an official heavy rain warning for Wairarapa, Wellington, Kapiti and Tararua Range from 6am today until at least 8pm tonight. Between 70MM and 100mm of rain in total is expected, with peak rates of 15mm to 25mm per hour. The national weather authority warns that heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly, with surface flooding and slips also possible. Driving conditions are likely to be impacted by the poor weather and northwest winds may also approach severe gale in exposed places in Wairarapa and Wellington.
Later library
opening hour
The Masterton District Library will be opening later than normal today, at 10am, due to staff training. Usual opening hours [which can be found on the Masterton District Council website: mstn.govt.nz] will resume again tomorrow.
Take the lead
With spring having well and truly sprung, a trip down to Masterton’s Henley Lake is increasingly likely to include catching a glimpse of the latest waddling of ducklings, as nesting season is still underway. As such, Masterton District Council [MDC] is reminding responsible dog parents to keep their pups on a leash in the wetland area of the lake. Leads are required in this area until at least November 30, a rule which has been in place since August 1. MDC also asks that dogs be kept under active control in all areas of the park.
PLB reminder
With the weather getting increasingly warm, more people are looking to participate in outdoor activities such as tramping, which means it’s also the season for a safety reminder. Over the past two months, there have been several occasions where even experienced hikers have got into strife and needed help from emergency services. In most of these instances, personal locator beacons [PLB] were used. Hiking enthusiasts may already have a PLB, but for those who don’t, Wairarapa Rescue Trust [WRT] is hiring them out for $5 a day. This is being done in the hopes of “taking the search out of search and rescue,” a spokesperson for WRT said. PLBs can be hired from the Masterton Trust Lands Trust office at 189 Queen St, Masterton during normal business hours.
