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Fire and Emergency New Zealand has deployed two Urban Search and Rescue teams to the North Island’s East Coast today, February 13.
Assistant national commander Ken Cooper says it’s in preparation for a severe weather event forecast for Tairawhiti and the Coromandel from this evening and through the weekend.
“Our deploying specialist teams are there to support our volunteer brigades and strengthen local capacity, helping communities stay safe and supported during this weather event.
“One team is prepositioned in Hicks Bay and the other at Te Araroa. Both teams are equipped with drones and rescue equipment.
“The wet weather is likely to increase the risk of landslides in already saturated conditions and we’re asking the public to stay alert and take care.
“Don’t travel unnecessarily and keep an eye on weather updates.”
Cooper says preplanning is underway to support Coromandel communities.
Bay of Plenty Civil Defence says: “The Orange Heavy Rain Warning for Bay of Plenty east of Opotiki is now in place for a period of 16 hours, from 6pm, Friday, February 13, until 10am, Saturday, February 14.
“We can still expect 80mm-100mm of rain to accumulate, with the chance of 130mm-150mm in localised areas.
“Peak rainfall rates are very dependent on localised downpours or thunderstorms, but may reach 25mm-40mm per hour during Saturday morning.
“MetService NZ have also noted that heavy rain could continue after 10am on Saturday and that this warning may be extended.
“There’s still a low chance of upgrading to a Red Warning. The Heavy Rain Watch for Bay of Plenty west of Opotiki, including Rotorua is now in place for a period of 20 hours, from midday, Friday, February 13, to 8am, Saturday, February 14.
“There remains a Moderate chance this Watch may be upgraded to a Warning and MetService NZ state rainfall accumulations may exceed warning criteria in a few locations.”
