Council monitors impact of heavy rain warning

**UPDATE 4.25PM**

The council is monitoring the impact of an orange heavy rain warning and strong wind watch in the Far North, issued by the MetService at 10am today (Friday 11 July).

MetService has advised Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management that the heaviest rainfall is predicted between 3pm and 6pm on Friday. The warning is forecast to last for 13 hours, until 10pm Friday. A strong wind watch, also in place, is forecasting winds could approach severe gales in exposed places, up until 9pm Friday.

A Civil Defence Northland Facebook post, shared on the Far North District Council page, forecasts 60 to 90mm of rain to fall today, following heavy rain in parts of the district overnight. Rainfall received in the last 24 hours has been mainly concentrated to the east coast including Karikari Peninsula and further north.

Possible impacts of the weather event could include rapidly rising streams and rivers, surface flooding, and slips, which may make driving conditions difficult. At present, Ōruru and Mangakahia rivers are reported to be rising. The council is monitoring this situation closely and is considering if standing up the Emergency Operations Centre at council headquarters will be necessary as the situation develops.

Far North District Council’s call centre is receiving reports of the following impacts to roads:

• surface flooding Kerikeri Rd near Packhouse Market, and  also near Access Rd
• surface flooding intersection Inland Rd and Lake Ohia Rd, Doubtless Bay
• surface flooding intersection Cottle Hill Dr and State Highway 10
• a slip on Flag Staff Hill in Russell Kororāreka
• a slip on Kohumaru Road, Mangōnui
• fallen trees on Whangaroa Road, Kāeo
• surface flooding at Kirikiri Lance in Waipapa

Civil Defence Northland has advised residents to clear drains and gutters in preparation for heavy rain, to avoid low-lying areas and to drive cautiously.

Extra care is also advised if travelling around the district today – please drive to the conditions, increase your following distances, and turn on your headlights.

If you are aware of any urgent weather-related issues, please contact the council on 0800 020 029.