MetService has issued a heavy rain and thunderstorm warning for the Bay of Plenty. Forecasts call for a large pocket of rain to hit the Bay of Plenty this afternoon, with peak intensities possibly exceeding 30 millimetres an hour. There may be a possibility of some surface flooding if rain falls with that intensity in urban areas of the District.

• We are likely to get 130-160 mm of rain across the Bay of Plenty, with the possibility of thunderstorms increasing intensity up to 40 mm per hour near the coast.
• Rivers are likely to reach first warning levels and possibly second level.
• We will start to see the worst of the weather from about 6 am Thursday, and it will last for about 15 -18 hours.
• There will be likely storm surges on the coast, with a three-metre swell and wave height at Whakatāne and Ōhope.
• The winds are not likely to be damaging.

Some possible consequences of this weather system (apart from flooding):

• Some stormwater systems near the coast may not function with the storm surge
• Matatā and the Wainui Te Whara should be closely monitored
• The Waimana Gorge could be closed at some point, and there is a risk that the Wainui S bends could also be closed (isolating Opotiki).

Some suggestions:

• Check that any drains and gutters around your property are clear so the rain goes where it's supposed to.
• Bring pets inside. Move stock to shelter.
• Drive with caution and if possible, avoid low-lying coastal roads.
• Keep up-to-date with weather forecasts.
• Check emergency food and water provisions.

Work we have undertaken in preparation for the heavy rain event includes:

• Stormwater cesspits cleared in Whakatāne and Edgecumbe
• Street sweeper operations to clear leaves from gutters, focusing particularly on known problem areas
• All critical culverts inspected and confirmed operational
• Contractor resources and plant confirmed and on standby
• Pump station telemetry checked and confirmed operational
• EOC set up in the Council Chamber, ready for use if required
• Liaison established with BOP Civil Defence

To date, there have been no major issues, other than a few trees brought down by the high winds. These have been cleared. However, the rain radar indicates a broad belt of heavy rain coming down from the north is not far away.