Around 80 people have been evacuated in the Ōtorohanga District after heavy overnight rain caused "widespread flooding" and saw the declaration of a local State of Emergency.
Mayor Rodney Dow said many of those displaced were being accommodated at Te Kotahitanga Marae.
"There is currently a power outage affecting the Kawhia area. Power was turned off as a safety precaution while evacuations were being carried out. Multiple roads and bridges in the district have been compromised," he said.
Follow 1News' live updates of the latest weather developments here
Dow said the scale of the floods was "devastating" for the small Waikato community.
"Our focus now is on supporting those affected by the flooding, as well as the emergency workers and support agencies helping our whānau."
'We could just see everything starting to float'
Ōtorohanga residents Theresa Butler and Lionel Killen told 1News they awoke during the early hours of the morning to find floodwaters surging towards their property from a nearby river.
“I walked out towards the ranchslider and the water was getting pretty close to the house,” Butler said.
"I was fairly worried at that point."
Killen said he witnessed the water rising “minute by minute” this morning.
"It was coming up that fast that we could just see everything starting to float," he said.
"I took the cats and slept up in the attic there for a couple of hours this morning. Theresa had the dog and was out on the boat outside.
Resident Kelly Wolfe told 1News the community had “really banded together” to support one another after the severe flooding.
"The local farmers have been out on tractors clearing what they can safely," she said.
"Everyone is checking on their neighbours and making sure they’re doing okay, and sharing supplies as needed."
A man was found dead in his vehicle after it was submerged by floodwaters on State Highway 39 last night. (Source: 1News)
Residents urged to stay out of floodwaters: 'It's not safe'
A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson said crews in the region responded to between 10 and 15 calls, all related to flooding.
"Crews assisted the swift water rescue teams and assisted the evacuation of properties across the Ōtorohanga area.
"Brigades are continuing to assist the swift water rescue teams at this time."
Dow urged people to stay out of the floodwaters.
"It is not safe,” he said.
“If you need help, please contact our call centre on 0800 734 000. If it is an emergency, phone 111 immediately!!"
An Emergency Operations Centre has been set up in the Council Chambers, with the emergency management team gathering intel and providing support.
Weather warnings issued
MetService has issued multiple weather alerts for the coming days.
Heavy rain warnings are in place on Saturday for Bay of Plenty east of Ōpōtiki and for Gisborne north of Tolaga Bay.
From Sunday, further warnings cover Gisborne south of Poverty Bay and Hawke’s Bay east of Wairoa, as well as inland Whanganui, Manawatū north of Marton and Taihape.
Strong wind warnings begin Sunday for Gisborne south of Poverty Bay, Wairarapa and the Tararua District, and from Sunday night for Wellington and eastern Marlborough.
Heavy rain watches are also in effect from Sunday for Hawke’s Bay west and south of Wairoa, Wairarapa, the Tararua District and the Tararua Range, and from late Sunday for Wellington.
Wind watches also apply from Sunday evening through Monday for Manawatū, Taihape, Whanganui, Horowhenua and the Kāpiti Coast.
Rebecca Whistler said her neighbour's shed floated down a tributary of the Waipā River last night. (Source: Supplied)
State Highways across the Ōtorohanga District have been blocked by the flooding.
Flooding in Waikato closed State Highway 39 between Pirongia and Ōtorohanga.
There is no curernt access into where Ngutunui Rd and SH31 meet SH39. A detour is available via SH30, 32, and SH1.
State Highway 3 north of Mangaorongo Road at the Stream Bridge is closed.
Whirinaki Valley Road in Horohoro is open under stop/go management after a slip, with those who use the road warned in could close on short notice if conditions change.
State Highway 2 Waioweka Gorge between Ōpōtiki to Mātāwai is closed due to flooding, while State Highway 35 is shut between Pōtaka and Te Araroa while it undergoes repairs.
The road between Whakaangiangi Road and Te Araroa was closed until Monday due to the weather.
"People are urged to avoid any non-essential travel and follow advice of officials," NZTA said.
"With bad weather continuing today it’s important people slow down, be patient and drive with care and to the conditions."
Full list of weather warnings and watches
Heavy Rain Warning – Orange
Bay of Plenty east of Ōpōtiki – 11 hours from 9am to 8pm Saturday
Gisborne/Tairāwhiti north of Tolaga Bay – 24 hours from 9am Saturday to 9am Sunday
Gisborne/Tairāwhiti south of Poverty Bay and Hawke’s Bay east of Wairoa – 22 hours from 7am Sunday to 5am Monday
Inland Whanganui, Manawatū north of Marton, and Taihape – 18 hours from 6pm Sunday to noon Monday
Strong Wind Warning – Orange
Gisborne/Tairāwhiti south of Poverty Bay – 15 hours from 4pm Sunday to 7am Monday
Wairarapa and the Tararua District – 14 hours from 5pm Sunday to 7am Monday
Wellington and eastern Marlborough north of Clarence – 21 hours from 6pm Sunday to 3pm Monday
Heavy Rain Watch
Hawke’s Bay west and south of Wairoa – 14 hours from 1pm Sunday to 3am Monday
Wairarapa, Tararua District and the Tararua Range – 24 hours from 4pm Sunday to 4pm Monday
Wellington – 18 hours from 9pm Sunday to 3pm Monday
Strong Wind Watch
Manawatū and Taihape – 12 hours from 7pm Sunday to 7am Monday
Whanganui – 14 hours from 8pm Sunday to 10am Monday
Horowhenua and Kāpiti Coast – 17 hours from 7pm Sunday to noon Monday
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