An Emergency Mobile Alert has been sent to phones across the Wairarapa warning of severe flooding risk overnight and advising residents in vulnerable areas to be ready to leave.

The Wellington Civil Defence Emergency Management Group issued the alert at 6:30pm on 15 February. It classifies the event as Flooding, with severity listed as Severe and certainty as Observed.

The alert says heavy rain could cause rivers and streams to rise rapidly. People in low-lying areas, coastal settlements, or places prone to flooding are urged to take extra precautions and consider evacuating while it is still daylight.

Civil defence guidance in the alert:

• If you see rising floodwater, evacuate immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for an official warning.
• If you need to leave, seek shelter with friends or family if you can. Take pets and essential items.
• Call 111 if your life or property is at risk. Emergency services could be delayed.
• Do not drive or walk through floodwater. Stay off the roads and avoid all non-essential travel.

Further updates and local information are available from district councils at mstn.govt.nz (Masterton), swdc.govt.nz (South Wairarapa), and cdc.govt.nz (Carterton). The alert was issued by Wellington Region Emergency Management.