Metservice has forecast up to 140 mm of rain to fall in Wairarapa during a 24-hour period to 9pm tonight, with up to 15mm per hour expected this morning.
A heavy rain warning was put in place for Wairarapa’s eastern hills yesterday and is due to expire this evening.
Metservice said heavy rain could cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible, and driving could be treacherous.
Masterton, Carterton and South Wairarapa District Councils have all said they would keep residents updated about any road closures, and alert them to any additional warnings.
The Antenno app was the best port of call for updates.
Wellington Region Emergency Management Office has advised that clearing stormwater drains could help prevent surface flooding.
Metservice was forecasting that relief from the rain would likely arrive tomorrow, when Cyclone Hale was expected to move away to the east.
“A trough affects the upper North Island on Thursday through to early Saturday, while a ridge builds over the rest of the country from Friday.”
Metservice said the ridge would spread onto the upper North Island late Saturday and Sunday, skipping Wairarapa.
