Heavy Rain Warning
20 April 2026
𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗩𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗥𝗨𝗔 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗧
A Heavy Rain Warning has been issued from 6pm today through to midnight Tuesday night, for all our district. The heaviest rain is predicted at night. We could see heavy, localised rainfall anywhere across the district, so its important people stay prepared, especially in areas that have experienced flooding before.
We’re sharing this information to help you be alert and prepared, just in case.
We’ve had a few weather warnings recently, and some areas may have come through lightly, but it only takes one event to cause disruption, so it’s worth taking a few simple steps now.
We’ve activated our Incident Management Team, which means we’re closely monitoring conditions and are ready to respond if needed. Our roading teams are out checking and clearing drains.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
Heavy, localised rainfall
Rising water around drains, streams, and low-lying areas
Surface flooding on roads
WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW
Clear drains and gutters near your property
Make sure you can leave quickly if needed
Keep essentials nearby (torch, phone, medication)
If you live in a low-lying area, think of where the nearest high ground is
STAY SAFE
If water is rising, don’t wait, move to higher ground early
Never walk or drive through floodwater
Floodwater may be contaminated
Avoid unnecessary travel tonight, unless essential due to potential for slips and tress down
RURAL PROPERTIES
Be prepared for road closures and limited access
Move stock to higher ground early if needed
Make sure animals have access to shelter and clean water
Be prepared for possible power outages
LOOK OUT FOR EACH OTHER
Check on neighbours, especially anyone who may need extra support
STAY INFORMED
Follow updates from Council on Facebook, the website
Stay informed via RNZ National (around 101 FM or 567 AM)
WHO TO CONTACT
If you are concerned about a safety issue related to flooding, please call 111
To report flooding, call Council: 06 374 4080 or 06 376 0110 (24 hours)
There is a risk of back flow if the sewer system gets overloaded from the stormwater network. If you notice issues with your wastewater or see manholes popping, please call Council.
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Heavy rain in South Wairarapa is expected to spread northwards this afternoon. Expect 80 to 120 mm to accumulate, but 150 to 250 mm about the ranges and coastal hills. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h, but 25 to 40 mm/h possible in localised places, especially in thunderstorms.
Moderate chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions are possible.
Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.
We are monitoring the situation and will put out any updates as needed.
The map below shows the affected areas.
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19 April 2026
MetService have issued a heavy rain warning for the Tararua District south of Woodville:
31 hours from 11:00am Mon 20 Apr to 6:00pm Tue 21 Apr
A period of briefly heavy rain may affect the region this evening before more persistent rain with heavy falls sets in during Monday. Expect 80 to 120 mm of rain from Monday morning, but 150 to 250 mm about the ranges. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h, but 25 to 40 mm/h possible in localised places from Monday afternoon.
Moderate chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions are possible.
Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.
The map below shows the affected area:
