Dispatch Desk

Red heavy rain warning downgraded to orange in Manawatu-Whanganui, more downpours expected

The region is no longer under a red warning, but officials say more heavy rain is likely through early afternoon and travel should still be limited.

Red heavy rain warning downgraded to orange in Manawatu-Whanganui, more downpours expected
Map of the area the EMA was sent to / Supplied

The Manawatu-Whanganui Civil Defence Emergency Management Group says MetService has cancelled the red heavy rain warning for the region and replaced it with an orange warning.

In an Emergency Mobile Alert issued this morning, the group said a further 30 to 60mm of rain is expected between 9am and 3pm, with peak intensities of 10 to 15mm an hour. Streams and rivers may rise rapidly, and surface flooding, slips and difficult driving conditions remain possible.

People are advised to clear drains and gutters, avoid low-lying areas, be cautious of landslides, and continue to avoid non-essential travel. If travel is necessary, officials urge driving to the conditions.

Updates are being posted at https://www.mwcdem.govt.nz/ and https://www.facebook.com/civildefencemanawatuwhanganui/.

This article was originally written by AI. You can view the original source here.