Weather live updates: State of emergency, evacuations amid rising river levels as heavy rain, huge waves hit East Coast, Hawke’s Bay
Dozens of Wairoa residents have been forced to evacuate as officials fear the town’s storm-swollen river could cause further flooding.
The northern Hawke’s Bay town has been under a State of Local Emergency since 6.36am, with rising water prompting the evacuation of 115 people, including 90 residents of Kopu Rd and McLean St to Wairoa’s Memorial Hall. Hundreds more are thought to have self-evacuated.
About 1500 properties across the region are without power.
Wairoa Mayor Craig Little said power had been cut off in the town due to water levels near local substations, while sandbags had been put in place to protect main street businesses.
A helicopter is on standby to check on hard-to-reach properties and people, with iwi and response teams on standby at locations throughout the district, he said.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand rescued two people who were trapped in a car surrounded by knee-deep flood water in Wairoa around 5.23am.
Little said the rainfall – as much as 200mm had fallen within 24 hours in some parts of the East Coast – had been greater than first forecast.
River levels were expected to continue rising today, amid ongoing rain and water flowing in from the Hangaroa and Ruakituri rivers.
“High tide was at 8.45am. The Wairoa River mouth remains a challenge with large swells limiting the river water from getting out,” Little said.
He said there would be a full investigation into why the river bar had failed – and that locals were dealing with “rain anxiety”.
STORY CONTINUES AFTER LIVEBLOG
Helen Van Berkel
- The Waipaoa and Wairoa rivers surged past danger levels, several roads are closed due to flooding or slips and power has been shut off in Wairoa because rising water levels are putting substations at risk.
MetService reissues orange rain warning for Wairoa until 11 pm
Tom Dillane
NZ Transport Agency update to road closures across Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne
Tom Dillane
• SH35 Awapuni is now OPEN. SH38 Frasertown to Lake Waikaremoana will remain CLOSED overnight.
• SH2 Putorino to Wairoa is now OPEN. Ohinepeka to Wairoa is still experiencing surface flooding. Light vehicles will be escorted through with a pilot vehicle.
CLOSED
• SH38 Frasertown to Lake Waikaremoana - Slips
OPEN WITH RESTRICTIONS
• SH2 Ohinepeka to Wairoa - Light vehicles must be escorted by a pilot vehicle.
OPEN WITH CAUTION
• SH5 Eskdale to Waipunga - Surface flooding and slips
• SH35 Tikitiki to Te Araroa - Flooding
OPEN
• SH2 Te Karaka to Waipaoa
• SH2 Wairoa, between Nūhaka and Mōrere
• SH2 Putorino to Ohinepaka
• SH35 Okitu to Tolaga Bay
• SH35 Gisborne, at the Gladstone Road Bridge
• SH35 Awapuni near Stanley Rd
• SH51 Clive
• All other State Highways remain open.
Specialist water rescue team dispatched to Wairoa
Tom Dillane
Fire and Emergency NZ crews and a specialist water rescue team have been onsite in Wairoa today assisting with the severe weather.
Further resources such as Urban Search and Rescue teams have also travelled from
Palmerston North to Wairoa to assist with the East Coast storm response.
“Our thoughts go out to all people impacted by this event and we are thankful to our crews who have been extremely busy,” a Fenz spokesperson said.
Images of Wairoa’s sunken state today
Royce
More than Wairoa 400 properties affected by flooding
Royce
Road closure updates
Royce
SH2 south to Napier and SH38 remain closed, and there are also around 14 local road closures, Wairoa District Council says.
SH2 between Pūtōrino and Wairoa is now open, under convoy for all road users. Crews on-site will be piloting traffic from Mitchell Road to Kiwi Valley Road, due to surface flooding.
This may mean there’s a delay for road users, while they wait for the pilot vehicles to begin the convoys. Please be patient while waiting.
Watch: Luxon on situation on the East Coast
James Wheeler
Latest road closure info from NZTA
James Wheeler
Extreme care is needed on roads around Hawke's Bay and Tairāwhiti as strong wind and heavy rain continues.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) says to please avoid all unnecessary travel on the state highway network.
Road closures as at 2.45pm:
- SH2 between Matawai and Ormond is now OPEN.
- SH2 Morere is now OPEN.
- SH2 between Pūtōrino and Wairoa is CLOSED.
- SH35 between Gisborne and Tolaga Bay is now OPEN. Please note, crews will be leaving flooding warning signs in place as a precaution, in the highest risk areas.
- SH35 at Gladstone Road bridge, Gisborne, remains CLOSED for debris clearing. Likely to reopen at 4pm. An update closer to the time will confirm this.
- SH35 Awapuni Road between the intersections of Lytton Road and Banks Street is CLOSED due to fallen trees.
- SH38 between Frasertown and Lake Waikaremoana is CLOSED.
- SH51 between Waitangi Bridge and Marine Parade, Napier, is now OPEN in both directions.
SH51 reopens
James Wheeler
SH51 between Waitangi Bridge and Marine Parade, Napier, is now open in both directions.
PM says community 'doing it incredibly tough'
James Wheeler
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said he had just spoken to mayors in Gisborne and Wairoa, where people were doing it tough amid the East Coast storm.
“In Gisborne, there are 27 local roads that are closed; State Highway 2 and 35 are also closed [from] a cumulation of slips, trees and flooding," Luxon said.
“That’s a community that’s doing it incredibly tough because there were three fishermen’s lives who were lost in the last 24 hours and they were well known throughout the community.
“In Wairoa, slightly different situation, quite a lot of flooding of houses but in different locations than before. [Emergency Minister] Mark Mitchell is down on the ground there, trying to move around in what are quite trying circumstances.
“I just want to make sure everyone understands there are some New Zealanders who are yet again doing it tough and showing a huge amount of resilience from a leadership point of view of local government, but also communities.”
Asked if there would be a Government support package for those affected communities, Luxon said: “I have been there before, Mark is down there at the moment as our Minister for Emergency & Recovery. It’s difficult to move around, to be honest, he’s trying to get into Wairoa, back to Gisborne but he’s doing his very best, so I will wait to hear from him first but not adverse to going there, of course.”
On using the Mayoral Relief Fund to support the affected communities, Luxon said it would go up to $100,000 to Wairoa, Gisborne and Hastings, based on their needs.
“It’s a start. Mark’s down there he’ll give a good assessment of what’s further needed.”
"As you know, we had over $1 billion in the Budget to support the recovery there, and we also have a $7.5 billion multi capital allowance that we can deploy as well."
James Wheeler
No further evacuations expected
Alanah Eriksen
Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazelhurst responded to a complaint from a resident about drains being fixed.
"This is part of our process about where our priorities are."
She said there were no further evacuations expected.
"Everyone is concerned about the high tide, so those considerations will be addressed after the meeting at 3pm," she said.
Mitchell told residents to check the Civil Defence website and follow the instructions of authorities.
"We know as a country we're going to continue to be hit by these kinds of weather events. A big part of the work we want to do from central government is education, so that everyone can be best prepared and take some personal responsibility.
"Although we can't be there [in Wairoa], I want people to know they are at the forefront of our minds."
Minister on the fisherman tragedy
Alanah Eriksen
Speaking on the dead fishermen off Mahia, Mitchell said it was a "tragedy".
"All these men were characters, and they were well known in their community. It is an absolute tragedy.
"It's going to be hitting the communities very hard," he said.
Gisborne man Elwood Higgins has been identified as one of the men who died after their fishing boat went missing from the East Coast.
'Lessons learned' – Minister
Alanah Eriksen
Regarding any comparisons to the emergency response amid Cyclone Gabrielle, Mitchell said there were "lessons learned".
"A lot of what is going on now is making sure there is welfare support for those in Wairoa.
"The anxiety levels just go up when things like this happen.
"The councils that have been impacted are moving quickly with the recovery.
"I acknowledge the fact they have been hit hard. That's why I'm trying to get up there as fast as I can to assess what the Government needs to do.
"There's an incredible resilience. I visited the emergency co-ordination centre here in Hawke's Bay - I've been hugely impressed at how quick the response has been."
Opening the bar
Alanah Eriksen
Contractors have been trying to open the bar at the Wairoa River mouth to reduce the water level.
Mitchell said there had been no injuries reported to him.
"I've seen some images of homes there [in Wairoa] that are, without a doubt, underwater," he said.
Wairoa 'hit hard'
Alanah Eriksen
Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazelhurst acknowledged emergency services who were working last night.
There would be an Emergency Management meeting at 3pm and the end of the state of emergency would be considered then.
Mitchell said Wairoa "had been hit hard".
"The reports are there is definitely damage there. We've got people out of their homes.
"It is pretty catastrophic for them."
He said the electricity for Wairoa had been turned off "due to risk" and that would be reconsidered later today.
Mayoral funds topped up
Alanah Eriksen
Mark Mitchell spoke of the $100,000 going towards the different districts' Mayoral Funds.
"From a central government level, we're doing everything we can."
200 homes evacuated last night
Alanah Eriksen
Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell and Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazelhurst are providing an update to media at the Haumoana Fire Station.
Mitchell said police evacuated 200 homes last night.
"What aggravated the rain was that there was a six-metre swell," he said.
"We're trying to get up to Wairoa to provide support there."
Power restored to some homes
Alanah Eriksen
Firstlight Network has restored power to 1115 customers and continues to respond to widespread outages across the region from south of Wairoa to Te Araroa, which is still impacting about 1000 customers.
“Power has been restored in Wairoa now that the water and flooding has resided from A Park Substation," said George Drysdale, operations manager.
"Outages still affect Frasertown and Raupunga in the Wairoa region.
“Our team is working to restore power as quickly as possible, however with wind and rain that has hammered the area over the past 24 hours, access is restricted due to road closures, swollen rivers and major slips.
“We understand it’s frustrating to be without power and we appreciate everyone’s patience."
Heavy rain in Hawke's Bay easing tonight
Alanah Eriksen
The heavy rain warning in Gisborne has been cancelled while the Hawke's Bay heavy rain warnings have been extended until about 11pm.
MetService said a deep low northeast of the North Island is forecast to move slowly away to the east today and tomorrow, with both heavy rain and strong winds expected to ease.
Large easterly swells are also forecast to affect coastal parts of Hawke's Bay and Gisborne/Tairāwhiti until Thursday night.
Erosion and coastal inundation are possible in some places, especially during high tides.
Government support for Hastings, Wairoa and Tairawhiti communities
Alanah Eriksen
The Government is making a contribution of $300,000 to Mayoral Relief Funds to help communities in Hastings, Wairoa and Tairāwhiti following severe weather and coastal inundation overnight, Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell announced.
“My thoughts are with everyone who has been impacted by this latest weather event," Mitchell said.
“This is another tough blow for these communities who are still recovering from the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle last year.
“While it’s too early to know the full cost of the damage of this latest event, this funding contribution will help ensure there is minimal delay in getting support to those who need it.
“I have been on the ground visiting the impacted regions to speak with emergency responders and locals to discuss their needs and see the extent of the impacts first-hand. I have also been in touch with mayors in the affected regions to offer the Government’s support."
He thanked everyone who had moved quickly to respond to this event and keep people safe, including Civil Defence Emergency Management groups, councils, first responders, marae, iwi and volunteers, and members of the community.
“Mayoral Relief Funds help communities bounce back after an emergency. Local communities and councils understand where the immediate needs are and how to help individuals, whānau and community organisations, marae.”
Wairoa River level drops
Alanah Eriksen
Since 9am, the Wairoa River level has dropped just over one metre, giving the town some relief from flooding.
There is still water coming from the upper catchments so there will still be a steady river flow.
Rainfall is expected to continue until Friday morning, with another 50mm to 100mm across the Wairoa region – with the higher amounts in the Waikaremoana catchment.
Weather easing
Alanah Eriksen
MetService said wind gusts had climbed to 104km/h at Gisborne Airport overnight and today while weather stations recorded 150-200mm of rainfall.
The agency said the wettest areas for the rest of the day will be the northern parts of Hawke's Bay.
MetService said that the low-pressure system continues to linger over the East Coast, which will feed some showers and spells of rain overnight, but they will not be “as intense”.
It will be a similar story for the east tomorrow. The rest of the country should expect mostly clear skies, with the potential for some showers in Southland.
A time-lapse video of the Waimata River shows how high it got.
Alanah Eriksen
Thursday's weather is looking a lot better
Alanah Eriksen
Heavy rain warnings remain
Alanah Eriksen
Widespread flooding across Wairoa
Alanah Eriksen
Listen to the Herald's Front Page podcast
Alanah Eriksen
Photos show high river levels
Alanah Eriksen
Wairoa River has peaked close to the level it did during Cyclone Bola in March 1988.
Seven people were killed due to flooding during that cyclone and hundreds were evacuated when Wairoa's river became swollen.
NZTA provides road closure updates
Alanah Eriksen
Bridge closed in flooding
Alanah Eriksen
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) reported late morning there were “no concerns” today for the stability of the State Highway 51 Waitangi Bridge near Awatoto, between Napier and Clive.
The route was however closed because of flooding, resulting in further congestion on the Hawke’s Bay Expressway.
The bridge, which provided the first road access out of Napier after its closure during Cyclone Gabrielle, had been flagged for possible replacement at least as long ago as 2009, and has been closed at times since the February 2023 cyclone for further maintenance and inspections.
The Waitangi railway bridge nearby was destroyed in the cyclone and a new structure built to provide the lifeline of a link for freight through the Port of Napier.
'Water up to my doorstep'
Alanah Eriksen
Wairoa resident Paul Toothill added: “The water came right up to my doorstep, it was lapping over the concrete, I’m very lucky it didn’t come any further.
Speaking about three hours after the high tide, and concerned the river bar at the mouth had not opened, he reiterated: “I’ve been here more than 30 years, it’s never, never been anywhere near this before.”
It had, however, receded quickly with the lowering of the tide – “so quickly you’d hardly know now".
Late morning he suspected the river bar might have blown out, allowing the river to flow more freely into the ocean.
“I might go down and check it out,” he said.
Gisborne flooding
Alanah Eriksen
St John beefs up resources
Alanah Eriksen
Hato Hone St John is responding to the severe weather conditions.
"Our teams are working in collaboration with local authorities and emergency services to provide medical assistance, support evacuations, and ensure the safety and well-being of the community," said Rosanne Shaw, national ambulance operations manager.
"We have deployed additional resources, including support teams and ambulances, to the most impacted areas, particularly around Wairoa and Gisborne. Safety measures for our staff and the communities we serve remain our highest priority."
She urged the public to heed safety advisories and avoid unnecessary travel.
Bridge debris
Alanah Eriksen
Wigan Bridge. Photo / Gisborne District Council
Flooding at Westshore
Alanah Eriksen
Evacuations in Gisborne
Alanah Eriksen
Households in Gisborne self-evacuated overnight after heavy rain and strong winds hit the region.
Flood warnings were sent out to those who live by the Waipaoa River, the Waimatā River, and the Hikuwai River.
Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz said there were a lot of trees down across the district with surface flooding still in some areas.
“We’re asking everyone to please delay all unnecessary travel. Our contractors have been out since first light to assess the damage and clean up what they can, but it could take a while."
A state of emergency had not been declared for the area.
“However, we’re thinking of our neighbours in Wairoa who declared one this morning.”
Evacuation centres in Gisborne had been opened at Te Poho o Rāwiri Marae and the House of Breakthrough.
Homes self-evacuated by the Waipaoa River, which peaked at 11.7m last night, included those in Te Karaka, Lavenham Road and Branson Road.
There were also evacuations in Ūawa and in Gisborne, with residents on Thompson Street and Fergusson Drive leaving their homes.
The Waimata peaked at 1.30am at 8.1m and is slowly dropping at Goodwins Road.
Tiniroto Road closed at 7pm last night and will remain closed all day.
All council facilities are closed today – this includes the library, parks, reserves and Taruheru Cemetery.
Later today, the Gladstone Road bridge will close for a couple of hours while woody debris is cleared, and this will be managed by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.
Wigan Bridge in Ūawa has a significant build-up of woody debris and is being looked into.
The heaviest rainfall over the past 24 hours in Tairāwhiti:
- 213 mm at Mangaheia at Willowbank
- 196 mm Panikau Rd – Reed Rd
- 186 mm Hikuwai River No 4 Bridge
- 183.4 mm Tokomaru Bay School
Mayor Stoltz said she wanted to acknowledge the tragedy that unfolded this morning with the three missing fishermen being found dead.
“It was not the outcome anyone was hoping for, and our thoughts go out to all those who love them, and we ask they are given the space and privacy to grieve.”
Hastings District Council provides update
Alanah Eriksen
- There are 44 people in the school hall at Haumoana after evacuations.
- Flaxmere Community Centre has been prepared as a hub should there be any overflow.
- For the past hour, police have been revisiting addresses where people have chosen to stay – this will be completed soon.
- The sea is still high (high tide was at 8.30am) and will be monitored "extra closely" for the next couple of hours.
- Roads have been closed to all but residents around the most-affected areas of Haumoana – Grange, Grove, Holden, Gaskin and Springfield Rds.
- The council has been made aware of challenges with telecommunications but there are no reported issues on the network so it’s likely due to overloading.
- People are advised to continue to listen to the radio for updated information if they are having connectivity issues.
'Worse than Gabrielle'
Alanah Eriksen
A Haumoana seafront resident, who did not want to be named, said his home flooded at high tide on Tuesday night and again on Wednesday morning.
"It is definitely worse than [Cyclone] Gabrielle," the Clifton Rd man said.
High tide on Tuesday night came through the house.
"We got [the water] out last night but 8am-9am this morning it came again."
He said he stayed in his home overnight "sitting on my bed with my feet up" above the waterlogged floor.
He said the house was also flooded in Gabrielle but not as badly.
He said people had been great at offering help, but it had been a hard night.
Other residents along the stretch of homes on Clifton Rd Hawke's Bay Today spoke to did not report flooding.
Wairoa river levels dropping
Alanah Eriksen
Rugby to continue
Alanah Eriksen
The first Ranfurly Shield rugby match of the season, and the first in Hastings for 97 years, will go ahead today.
A Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union spokesman confirmed late morning the match between the Hawke’s Bay Magpies and King Country Rams will start as scheduled at 3pm at the Mitre 10 Regional Sports Park’s William Nelson Athletics Precinct.
While there has been heavy rain at the park, conditions are still expected to be firm, with the oval not previously used for sports this winter.
The match is being livestreamed on the Hawke’s Bay Magpies Facebook page, with usual broadcaster Sky having told the Hawke’s Bay union last week it would not be providing a telecast.
Heavy rain warnings
Alanah Eriksen
Beach access gone
Alanah Eriksen
The dirt road to the beach at East Clive has been flooded.
There is usually a lagoon on both sides of it.
Photo / Paul Taylor
Trees across SH2
Alanah Eriksen
State Highway 2 between Napier and Wairoa is now closed at Morere and Mohaka due to slips and fallen trees.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is reminding road users to avoid all unnecessary travel if possible and take extreme care if driving on Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti state highways.
Hastings District Council provides update
Alanah Eriksen
- There are 44 people in the school hall at Haumoana after evacuations.
- Flaxmere Community Centre has been prepared as a community hub should there be any overflow.
- For the past hour, police have been revisiting addresses where people have chosen to stay – this will be completed soon.
- The sea is still high (high tide was at 8.30am) and will be monitored "extra closely" for the next couple of hours.
- Roads have been closed to all but residents around the most-impacted areas of Haumoana – Grange, Grove, Holden, Gaskin and Springfield Rds.
- The council has been made aware of challenges with telecommunications but there are no reported issues on the network, it’s likely due to overloading.
- People are advised to continue to listen to the radio for updated information if they are having connectivity issues.
Hige waves expected in Napier
Alanah Eriksen
The Napier City Council is asking residents to be aware of high swells.
"Strong winds, southeasterly swells and high tides are expected to cause large waves. Please avoid beaches and shorelines at this time."
It said they were addressing an issue at the Westshore seawall.
"Our team and machinery are on site and will remain until there is no risk to people or properties. Additional teams are reinforcing the area and assisting with sandbagging efforts."
There were two wastewater overflows overnight.
"Our teams are managing and monitoring the situation. As a precaution, signage is being put up to advise against recreational use of the Ahuriri Estuary and Pandora Pond at this time."
A potential slip was also being monitored at Napier Hill.
Anyone who has noticed slips, surface flooding or drainage issues, is being urged to call 06 835 7579.
'Stay home if possible' - MPs
Alanah Eriksen
National MPs Katie Nimon for Napier, Catherine Wedd for Tukituki and Dana Kirkpatrick for East Coast are urging residents to stay home if possible and follow instructions of Civil Defence and authorities.
A state of local emergency has been declared in Wairoa and residents in Haumoana have been evacuated due to high river levels after heavy rain overnight. The National Emergency Management Agency’s 24/7 Monitoring and Reporting Centre is monitoring the situation and is in touch with Civil Defence.
The ministers also acknowledged the tragedy of the three people who died after a fishing boat went missing off Mahia.
"Our thoughts are with their families, friends and everyone affected by this news. These regions are still in recovery from last year’s weather events and we are sending our thoughts to everyone affected, the Government is ready to provide support if needed.
"Our main concern is ensuring our communities are safe."
They urged anyone who feels at risk to call 111.
High tide hit
Alanah Eriksen
Wairoa Mayor Craig Little told Newstalk ZB's Kerre Woodham the town has hit high tide.
"The reports are we have dropped at least 30cm and it will go down and it will keep going down."
He said the biggest issue has been the river bar and high swells.
When asked whether more evacuations are planned, Little said 115 people are already in the memorial hall and others will have self-evacuated.
"They are still out there checking everybody. If anybody is anxious from out of town, I can rest assured everyone is being looked after."
NZTA releases another road closure update
Alanah Eriksen
Limits on supermarket food
Alanah Eriksen
Evacuations rise
Alanah Eriksen
Wairoa Mayor Craig Little says 150 people have been evacuated and is expecting that number to rise.
He says a helicopter is on standby.
Minister flies in
Alanah Eriksen
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell is flying to storm-hit eastern regions this morning to survey damage and speak to mayors.
Mitchell was expected to land in Napier before meeting with the region's mayors.
He is then intended to travel north to Wairoa.
Mark Mitchell.
1500 without power
Alanah Eriksen
Firstlight Network is responding to widespread power outages from south of Wairoa to Te Araroa affecting about 1500 customers.
Operations manager George Drysdale said: “Our team is working to restore power as quickly as possible, however with wind and rain that has hammered the area over the past 24 hours, access is restricted due to road closures, swollen rivers and major slips.
“In Wairoa, people are without power due to a substation which has been temporarily flooded due to the high tide and swollen Wairoa River. We are currently waiting for water to subside before power can be restored, which will hopefully be later this morning.
“We understand it’s frustrating to be without power and we appreciate people’s patience."
He asked people to keep the faults number handy: 0800 206 207 and look at the Firstlight Network Facebook page for updates.
Cape Kidnappers
Alanah Eriksen
Wild weather at Cape Kidnappers. Photo / Paul Taylor
Speed sign washes into water
Alanah Eriksen
Te Awanga Beach. Photo / Paul Taylor
Road closure update
Alanah Eriksen
State Highway 51
Alanah Eriksen
Flooding on SH51 between Napier and Clive. The road is now closed. Photo / NZTA
'Please stay calm' - mayor
Alanah Eriksen
Wairoa Mayor Craig Little urges people to stay vigilant and watchful and if they feel in danger to evacuate if it is safe to do so or call 111.
“Please stay calm, we are doing everything we can to protect our people and have involved as many services as possible to help. Emergency services and council Civil Defence staff are out in the community.
“This weather event, so close to the previous events and Cyclone Gabrielle is absolutely gutting and my heart goes out to everyone who is being affected. We have been through so much; this is just another massive blow for us.”
Road closure update
Alanah Eriksen
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is reminding road users to avoid unnecessary travel and take extreme care if driving on Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti state highways.
As at 10am:
SH35 between Gisborne and Tolaga Bay was closed by flooding and fallen trees.
Flooding has closed SH2 at Turiroa and between Matawai and Gisborne. Slips at Mohaka and Morere have also closed the highway.
In Napier, SH51 between Waitangi Bridge and Marine Parade, Napier, is closed by flooding, but SH38 from Wairoa to Lake Waikaremoana is open, but down to one lane.
There have also been numerous reports of fallen trees, slips and flooding around other parts of the network.
NZTA asked drivers to look out for flooding and debris from trees or slips and to drive to the conditions.
Wairoa Mayor provides update
Alanah Eriksen
Around 90 people have been evacuated from flood-affected parts of Wairoa this morning.
Wairoa Mayor Craig Little said a helicopter has been sent to check on hard-to-reach properties and people.
He said the rainfall had been greater than forecasted.
"River levels are expected to continue to increase today with rain expected to continue and back-country rain from the Hangaroa and Ruakituri still flowing down the riverways.
"In town, power has been cut off due to water levels near the power substations. Sandbags to protect main street businesses have been put in place."
People were encouraged to stay home if they can.
"This will take pressure off roads.
"People are also asked not to drive around flooded areas as vehicles are causing waves, which is pushing water into houses."
Wairoa flooding
Alanah Eriksen
'It's up to my letterbox'
Alanah Eriksen
Paul Toothill, a Wairoa stock buyer and president of the Wairoa Racing Club, lives in Kopu Rd on the northern side of the Wairoa River, and says he’s never before seen the river come up over the road.
"Not in Cyclone Bola, not in Cyclone Gabrielle.
“I saw it come up over the road, it’s up to my letterbox, I’ve evacuated the family this morning, and I’ve got a ladder over the back fence to get out if I have to.”
The peak was around the 8.45am high tide.
“I blame the regional council,” he said. “The bar is blocked. It should have been open.”
Evacuation centres
Alanah Eriksen
Civil Defence evacuation centres have been set up at:
Wairoa
- Wairoa War Memorial Hall in Queen St.
- Presbyterian Hall in Queen St.
North Clyde:
- Taihoa Marae on SH2 in Te Uhi (Below Te Uhi Hill).
- Hinemihi Marae at the end of Ruataniwha Rd.
SH1 blocked
Alanah Eriksen
State Highway 51, between Clive and Awatoto, is completely blocked to all vehicles.
The road is impassable at the bridge near Waitangi Park due to flooding.
Diversions are in place for southbound traffic at SH 51 at the Maraenui golf course, and northbound at Te Ara Kahikatea south of Whakatu.
The Expressway is significantly backed up, and people are asked to travel only if essential.
Latest water levels
Alanah Eriksen
'Police banged on our door at 3.30am'
Alanah Eriksen
James Ostergren and his dog Pebbles have spent the morning at an evacuation centre. Photo / Gary Hamilton-Irvine
Haumoana resident James Ostergren has spent the morning at the Haumoana School evacuation centre with his family, after they were asked to evacuate at 3.30am on Wednesday from their Holden Ave home, close to the Haumoana shops.
"We were just happily sleeping in bed and all of a sudden there was a bang, bang, bang on the door and the police officer said that there was a good chance that the ocean might come over and there was a flood risk and that we should evacuate.
"He said that we should evacuate within half an hour and either get to Hastings or up here to the school."
He said Cyclone Gabrielle last February felt worse.
"We got a bit of flooding through the garage and almost into the house in the cyclone, so we are always a bit anxious when the rain is coming down like it was.
"I didn't feel too bad [this morning] because with the cyclone the house was really shaking. It felt quite different.
"With the cyclone we were worried about the river whereas this time it is more about the ocean."
When he left his house, with his wife and two children and their dog, he said the flooding was not too bad near his home. He said the team at the evacuation staff had been amazing.
"It is great here. They had the mats set out and people here have been really good with information.
"It is nice and warm and you get a little bit of a feeling like we had with the cyclone and afterwards where the community came together and chipped in. So there is that positive vibe."
He said when they arrived about 4am about a dozen people were there and "people just kept coming". About 50 people were there as at 9.30am.
'Not out of the woods yet'
Alanah Eriksen
'Our back lawn is like a lake'
Alanah Eriksen
Kowhai Pl in Wairoa. Photo / Carol Goldsmith
Wairoa resident Carol Goldsmith was torn between staying at her Kowhai Pl home as floodwaters crept in or evacuating.
“The water is continuously rising.
“It has filled up our carport, our back lawn is like a lake, [at] the front it is almost through our fence and I think the people on our street are evacuating now.”
She said her father worked at the water treatment plant and had told her the waters should subside.
“I’m in two minds, I know I need to get out. It is very hard, it is almost at the front door of my house,” she said.
“I don’t know how bad it is going to get, but I don’t want to wait until then.”
She said the flooding in her area was worse than in Cyclone Gabrielle and she felt more could have been done with the emergency response.
“We got the Civil Defence alert this morning, but that is about it. We don’t really know what else is going on.”
She said power at her home was out for about an hour but returned about 8.50am.
Wild weather in Haumoana
Alanah Eriksen
Clifton Rd, Haumoana. Photo / Paul Taylor
Don't 'rush to flush'
Alanah Eriksen
Wairoa District Council is asking residents not to “rush to flush” as untreated wastewater has the potential to mix with the flooding.
“There is flooding around our town, please keep away.”
Twenty-four hours of persistent rain
Alanah Eriksen
SH2 is now closed
Alanah Eriksen
Te Karaka residents evacuate
Alanah Eriksen
The Te Karaka community is working together to make sure everyone is safe, says Mahaki Tiaki Tangata member Pimia Wehi.
Overnight the Waipaoa River levels reached 7.5m at the Kanakanaia Bridge and the iwi-led response team told the Te Karaka community to evacuate to Te Poho o Rawiri marae or family and friends’ places in Gisborne.
“It’s been a bit of a dicey night. The rivers kept rising more and more,” Wehi said.
About 90 people evacuated to Gisborne and others still in Te Karaka were recommended to go to Te Karaka Area School, which is taking in people.
Mahaki Tiaki Tangata has been monitoring river levels since 9.30pm and communicating to the community and wider public what is going on.
On Wednesday morning the team and those at Te Karaka Area School gathered to share prayer and love with their whānau.
“We are encouraging people to come here and be together.”
Wehi said they wanted to close the roads to Te Karaka so people did not come sightseeing.
“The main concern is ensuring all our whānau and community are safe."
Council urges residents to report issues
Alanah Eriksen
River flows
Alanah Eriksen
Haumoana
Alanah Eriksen
An area of Haumoana at Beach Rd, beside the Four Square, is prone to coastal inundation. Photos / Paul Taylor
Civil Defence evacuation centres
Alanah Eriksen
Mahia slips and flooding
Alanah Eriksen
Mahia sole charge police constable Chad Prentice said the rain wasn't easing up in the area but flooding was contained to paddocks.
He said slips had closed the road at Blacks Beach and debris from the bank above had come onto the road, and there were "substantial moving slips".
"There is lots of surfacing flooding, lots of water across the roads and lots of minor slips, lots of branches and trees down debris everywhere.
"The rain is not easing up and still teeming down."
He said he hoped to see a reprieve now that 8.55am's high tide had passed.
On the Mahia fishing tragedy, he said, "It has been a long few days".
Power outages
Alanah Eriksen
Lines company Unison said 136 homes were affected by a power outage north of Napier.
Homes in Tutira, Te Haroto, Tarawera, Putere, Putorino and Kotemaori were affected at 6.23am, with power likely restored by 9.23am.
Turiroa flooding
Alanah Eriksen
Flooding on State Highway 2 near Wairoa at Turiroa. Photos / Ann Revington
Fenz visits residents
Alanah Eriksen
Haumoana resident Julia Hughes lives on Beach Rd and could see the waves surging over the "crest" along the shoreline from her lounge at high tide around 8.30am.
Hughes was not evacuated because her home is on higher ground, but Fire and Emergency New Zealand visited about 7am.
“They just gave us information about where things were at and just letting us know they had closed the roads to incoming traffic to Haumoana,” Hughes said.
She said there were concerns the Haumoana Playcentre could flood like it did during Cyclone Gabrielle last year.
“I think they are more worried about Memorial Rd and Hyla Rd from what the firemen said.”
She had heard a digger had gone out at first light to remove gravel and stones from waterways.
“We are lucky that everyone from the council and Fenz and Civil Defence are all out here making sure we have the best information and are prepared,” she said.
“We are prepared to go if it comes to that, but we are happy to stay put for now.”
Inside the evacuation centre
Alanah Eriksen
Tim Whittaker and his family were evacuated to Haumoana School at 3am.
He said spirits were good and many people in the school hall were asleep.
"Pumps in Haumoana [are] working flat out and well so [I’m] hopeful high tide will not bring flooding.
“I think the evacuation is just overly cautious... Authorities are all trying to do better than last time.”
He said between 50 and 60 people were in the evacuation centre earlier and they had been asked to stay until an hour past high tide.
“[People from] Clive have been over with food.”
Road closure
Alanah Eriksen
SH51 between Napier and Hastings is closed at Awatoto, near the Ravensdown plant. Photo / Connull Lang
Family evacuate campground
Alanah Eriksen
Te Awanga resident Hamish McColl self-evacuated with his two children, aged 2 and 3, on Wednesday about 8am.
He stays at the Te Awanga Point Holiday Park and had been keeping a close eye on sea levels and evacuation notices for neighbouring Haumoana and Clifton throughout the night.
He left his campervan behind as there was no way to move it in the mud, taking his kids in his car to the evacuation centre at Haumoana School.
He said the campervan would "hopefully" be okay but "it's only things" if it was flooded.
"We are safe and have enough change of clothing to last us a day or two, and when we get to Napier we can reassess."
He said a lot of people were self-evacuating from the motorcamp on Wednesday morning, and he was concerned about what would happen when the waves began to wash over the nearby stream, which was at capacity.
McColl was also a volunteer with the Red Cross and wanted to help at the evacuation centre in any way he could.
Weather-related incidents
Alanah Eriksen
Fire and Emergency attended the following incidents since 8pm yesterday.
- Evacuations at a campground in Haumoana, Hastings around 8.30pm. One truck from Haumoana helped, with more called later in the night.
- Assisting two people trapped in a car in flood waters in Wairoa at 5.23am. A fire engine from Wairoa rescued the pair from the car, which was surrounded by knee-deep water.
Number of incidents:
Gisborne District: 7
Wairoa District: 16
Hastings District: 3
Alanah Eriksen
Alanah Eriksen
Friends evacuated
Alanah Eriksen
Friends Chelsea Tallnash-Pitt and Lucy Evans arrived in Hawke's Bay on Tuesday and were just settling into the freedom camping site at Haumoana when they were evacuated at 8.30pm.
"I was making noodles and there was a knock on the door asking us to evacuate," Evans said.
She said firefighters were there soon after the women evacuated the campsite and the sea was "wild".
"When we first arrived there were puddles forming but when we left it was getting progressively worse," Tallnash-Pitt said.
They were told to head to Haumoana School and spent the night there in their campervan.
Road closures
Alanah Eriksen
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said SH35 remains closed between Okitu and Tolaga Bay townships and between Te Araroa and Tikitiki townships.
The agency also reported SH35 Okitu to Tolaga Bay and SH35 Tikitiki to Te Araroa have extensive flooding but are not closed.
STORY CONTINUES
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell is flying to storm-hit eastern regions this morning to survey damage and speak to mayors. Mitchell was expected to land in Napier before holding a meeting with the region’s mayors. He then intended to travelling north to Wairoa.
Residents were being encouraged to stay home, and asked not to drive around flooded areas, as vehicles were causing waves that were pushing into houses.
“Severe weather is also impacting council water infrastructure and people are asked to please stay away from any flood water and to treat it as if it is contaminated,” said Little.
He urged people to “stay vigilant and watchful” and evacuate if they needed to and could do so safely.
“Please stay calm, we are doing everything we can to protect our people and have involved as many services as possible to help.”
Firstlight Network said it was responding to “widespread outages” across the region from south of Wairoa to Te Araroa.
“Our team is working to restore power as quickly as possible, however with wind and rain that has hammered the area over the past 24 hours, access is restricted due to road closures, swollen rivers and major slips,” the company’s operations manager George Drysdale said.
“In Wairoa, people are without power due to a substation which has been temporarily flooded due to the high tide and swollen Wairoa River. We are currently waiting for water to reside before power can be restored, which will hopefully be later this morning.”
The slow-moving storm has smashed the Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay regions overnight, bringing two months’ worth of rain in some areas that has caused flooding, rough seas and gale-force winds, with more to come today.
A local state of emergency has also been declared in Heretaunga in Hawke’s Bay.
The wind and rain has been hammering the area from East Coast to the Wharerata hills south of Gisborne, with around 200mm of rain in some areas in the past 24 hours.
A State of Emergency has been declared in the Heretaunga ward of the Hastings district due to coastal inundation in Haumoana, where the sea has inundated the land.
In Te Karaka, where the Waipaoa River has been rising, levels have topped 8m. The township – which was devastated by Cyclone Gabrielle – is now inaccessible. Just before 6am, Te Karaka residents received a Civil Defence emergency alert warning them to evacuate immediately.
Some households in Gisborne city were also being urged to evacuate as the Waimata River rose. The Hikuwai River in Tolaga Bay is also high, with one Tolaga Bay rain gauge receiving more than 285mm of rain since Sunday.
In northern Hawke’s Bay, the Wairoa River has risen higher than expected, hitting the orange five-year flooding level at the town bridge around 5am and now at red level, according to Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz). The district council has told locals to self-evacuate to the War Memorial Hall.
Fenz central shift manager Murray Dunbar says the fire service has been called to help in Wairoa, where the district council wants assistance evacuating people near the mouth of the river.
At 6.10am, Wairoa locals received an emergency mobile alert warnings those in streets near the river: “LEAVE NOW. There is serious flooding in Wairoa. River levels rising rapidly.”
Those evacuating are warned not to walk through floodwaters, which may have washed away parts of the road and could be contaminated.
Fenz has also been asked to help with evacuations in Haumoana. A state of emergency has been declared in the local ward of Heretaunga, with police knocking on doors and asking residents to evacuate. The local council is warning of heavy swells in the area, with the rising tide due to peak at 8.30am.
At least seven roads north of Gisborne, including State Highway 35, have been closed due to flooding, slips and collapsed banks, while many other roads are damaged. SH35 is closed between between Uawa and Okitu.
SH51 between Waitangi Bridge and Marine Parade, Napier, is now open in both directions, having been closed for a number of hours on Wednesday.
SH2 between Putorino and Wairoa reopened late afternoon Wednesday, under convoy for all road users.
Crews onsite will be piloting traffic from Mitchell Road to Kiwi Valley Road, due to surface flooding.
This may mean there’s a delay for road users, while they wait for the pilot vehicles to begin the convoys.
The Portland marine area has also had its first red alert amid the storm, with potential wave heights of over 8m offshore of the Mahia Peninsula, where three fishermen are still missing after their boat is thought to have capsized.
Gale-force winds peaked last night with gusts over 100km/h and an average wind speed of almost 70km/h. This morning gusts were still reaching 76km/h.
The weather was so rough last night that two Air New Zealand flights, from Wellington and Auckland, had to turn back around 8pm.
Fenz shift manager Murray Dunbar said there had been around 12 weather jobs overnight around Gisborne area, including a couple of flying trampolines, a roof that was blown off, a window blown in and a tree that fell on a house.
MetService warnings
MetService has decreased the amounts of rain expected to fall in the Hawkes Bay region.
MetService said residents north of SH5 should anticipate 40mm to 80mm of rain inland and less than 40mm about the coast.
These amounts are in addition to the rain that has already fallen.
MetService said 40mm to 70mm of rain about the inland ranges and coastal hills south of SH5, and less than 40mm elsewhere is expected.
In Gisborne, 20mm to 40mm of rain is expected.
MetService said there is a minimal chance there will be an upgrade to a red-level warning.