By Hayley Gastmeier
Roads were damaged, trees were toppled, and several spots were struck by surface flooding as the region was drenched by heavy rain.
Martinborough received rainfall of about 70mm overnight on Monday, while in the Tararuas there was even more.
And while the region may be in for a break in the weather, more rain is forecast for the weekend.
The Rimutaka Hill Rd was down to one lane yesterday morning after a slip near the summit.
And surface flooding occurred along a number of South Wairarapa roads, with some closures still in place yesterday afternoon.
Fulton Hogan worked through the night and late into the day cleaning up the roads to make them passable.
White Rock Rd was closed due to flood waters, including at Tuturumuri School.
There were also significant slips along the road, which suffered major damage due to the flooding.
According to the South Wairarapa District Council, there were also closures along Tora Rd and Te Awaiti Rd, and there were slips on Ushers Hill and Logan Hills Rd.
The council said further roadworks were likely in the days to come to consolidate repairs.
SWDC infrastructure and services manager Mark Allingham said Fulton Hogan had done an amazing job.
“Once we know the value of the damage we will see NZTA for emergency work funding.”
The Ponatahi Bridge was flooded in the morning, meaning commuters from Martinborough who use the road to get to Carterton and Masterton had to take alternative routes.
Ponatahi Bridge was reopened at about 10am.
The Ruamahanga River also rose significantly, but not high enough to close the bridge.
Metservice meteorologist Stephen Glassey said the worst of the rain was over and the weather was set to improve.
The heavy downpours were due to a “significant low pressure system” which moved over the region late on Monday, he said.
“There was quite a persistent rain band over the lower North Island including Wairarapa.”
Mr Glassey said the Martinborough area received rainfall of about 70mm, and Masterton received 51mm.
“That’s quite a lot of rain. It’s not record breaking but it is enough rain to cause slips.”
Some areas in the Tararua Ranges received closer to 90mm, he said.
“But in general most places in Wairarapa recorded near the 50mm and 60mm mark.”
The Rimutaka Hill summit recorded 54mm rainfall.
Mr Glassey said the low pressure system was moving away from New Zealand and today would “be mainly fine”.
“There may be a few showers [in the] evening, but nothing too significant.”
More rain would be coming through Wairarapa tomorrow, and “more substantial” rain could be expected for Friday night and Saturday, Mr Glassey said.
43 mm at my place, 2 more than for the whole of October, a very useful half tankful and a help to very dry ground.