A State of Emergency has been declared for Ōtorohanga after heavy overnight rain caused "widespread flooding" in the district, prompting evacuations.
In a post to the Ōtorohanga District Council Facebook page at around 1.10 am, Mayor Rodney Dow said the district had been lashed by rain, with reports of flooding, slips and inundation.
“The situation in Ōtorohanga is serious, and with nightfall upon us, it’s important we are prepared and have the right controls in place to provide help and support, including required evacuations if needed.”
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.
The Waikato town is one of many in the North Island's north and east that are under a weather warning or watch.
An orange heavy rain warning was issued yesterday for the Bay of Plenty east of Ōpōtiki and Gisborne/Tairāwhiti north of Tolaga Bay, in place from 8pm Friday into Saturday.
Yesterday, MetService extended several of those warnings and added new ones.
An orange heavy rain warning now covers the Coromandel Peninsula from 11am yesterday, and the Bay of Plenty from Ōpōtiki westwards — including Rotorua — as well as Gisborne/Tairāwhiti from Tolaga Bay southwards from this evening.
MetService also issued a swathe of yellow watches for parts of the North Island, where intense humidity was already being felt across the country.
The watch for Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato and Waitomo kicked in at 9am yesterday.
Manawatū , the Tararua District, Taupō, Taumarunui, Taihape, Whanganui, the eastern hill-country of Taranaki and Hawke's Bay were also issued with rain watches beginning late yesterday.
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 accsess 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."
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