Metservice has upgraded its initial Heavy Rain Watch for Hawke’s Bay to an Orange Heavy Rain Warning. In the 36-hour period from 6am today, through until 6pm tomorrow, 150 to 200mm of rain is expected for the region.
Peak rates of 20 to 30mm/hr are expected throughout the day today. Forecasters say surface flooding and slips are possible, and that streams and rivers may rise rapidly.
Tararua District is also in for heavy rain, a Heavy Rain Watch in place this morning. Periods of heavy rain are expected in the 24-hours from 9am today for the district.
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council says it is monitoring river levels around the region.
The Council says it is actively monitoring levels with site inspections scheduled from Wairoa to Central Hawke's Bay, as well as monitoring via its rain gauges and water level sensors with high water alerts.
The wet weather has seen the postponement of a Field Day at the property of this year’s Silver Fern Farms Hawke’s Bay Farmer of the Year.
Michael and Karen Toulmin were named winners at the recent Hawke’s Bay Primary Sector Awards. They farm the 210-hectare sheep and beef farm, Makuranui, at Waiwhare.
The Field Day was due to be held today, however the Heavy Rain Warning in place for the region has seen organisers postpone it, with a new date to be confirmed.
The Waipukurau Ladies Golf Club hosted their annual Silver/Bronze tournament. More than 70 golfers took part in the tournament, which was sponsored by Jane & Molly from Property Brokers CHB.
Club Secretary, Sandy Pepper, said the weather played its part on the day, although snow on the Ruahine Ranges made its presence felt.
The Silver Salver was won by Robyn Stallard (Hastings); the Bronze Salver by Rosemary Burns (Hastings); with the 9-hole honour going to Waipukurau’s Pauline Cartwright.