New Zealand: Disruptions due to severe weather ongoing in Hawke's Bay Region as of June 26 /update 1

Disruptions are occurring across parts of Hawke's Bay Region due to ongoing severe weather in the region as of June 26. A deep low-pressure system has been bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and rough seas to northeastern and eastern parts of North Island June 25-26. Many rivers in the region have reached dangerous levels, including the Waipaoa and Wairoa rivers. Authorities have evacuated around 115 people from affected areas due to flooding and many more are reported to have self-evacuated. Authorities have declared states of emergency in Wairoa and the Heretuanga Ward of Hastings. Around 400 homes have been affected by flooding in Wairoa, of which around 100 have been significantly impacted. Around 1,500 properties across the region are without power as of late June 26. Several roads in the region are closed due to flooding and landslides, including State Highway 38 between Frasertown and Lake Waikaremoana. Some restrictions remain in place for other highways in the region. Three bodies found on Mahia Beach June 26 are reported to have been fishermen who were reported missing off Mahia Peninsula June 24 amid rough seas caused by the severe weather.

The low-pressure system is expected to move slowly eastward out of the region late June 26, leading to an easing in the rainfall and winds. As of late June, the New Zealand National Meteorological Service (MetService) is maintaining orange heavy rainfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale) across Hawke's Bay Region through 23:00 June 26. Although weather conditions are likely to improve from early June 27, lingering disruptions are likely in flood-affected areas over the coming days. River levels may reach their peaks some time after the worst of the severe weather has passed and coastal flooding is also possible during high tide late June 26.

Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rain has saturated the soil.

Authorities could issue additional evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are likely where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows will likely render some bridges or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces will probably cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities will likely temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Flight delays and cancellations at airports are probable.

Localized business disruptions are likely in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.