The Manawatū-Whanganui region is bracing for a significant recovery effort following widespread damage caused by severe weather overnight. A pre-emptive State of Emergency was declared Sunday evening, and while the heaviest rainfall has eased, the impact is being felt across Rangitīkei and Whanganui districts, with thousands without power and roads blocked by fallen trees. Crews are working to assess the full extent of the damage and restore essential services.
The storm brought down trees and disrupted power to nearly 8,000 properties in Whanganui and Rangitīkei early Monday, with approximately 2,000 customers having their power restored by early afternoon, according to reports. The focus is now on a “huge clean-up,” as described by Rangitīkei Mayor Andy Watson, with numerous roads impassable due to debris. The disruption has as well led to the closure of several parks and schools throughout the region.
Detours and Difficult Conditions
Mayor Watson warned that some motorists attempted to bypass closures on State Highway 1 (SH1) by using local roads, leading to dangerous situations. “They decided to self-navigate using minor back roads, but in an area where communication is particularly difficult with cell phone technology and a difficult roading area,” he said. A New Zealand Defence Force NH-90 helicopter was initially dispatched to assist individuals stranded after attempting to navigate these routes, but was stood down once the slip was cleared. Crews are now actively blocking access to these minor roads to prevent further incidents.
Watson also noted that local roads often do not appear as closed on the NZTA Journey Planner, contributing to the problem. He emphasized the importance of local knowledge when navigating during adverse weather conditions.
Power Outages and Water Conservation
The severe winds caused an outage at the Fordell water treatment plant, prompting Whanganui District Council to inquire residents to conserve water until power is restored. The council is working with Taumata Arowai, the water regulator, and has a backup plan involving generators and the potential to move water from the Westmere reservoir if needed.
Residents in Taihape, Mangaweka, Hunterville, Rātana, and Fordell have also been asked to conserve water due to issues at local plants caused by the storms.
Parks Closed and Rainfall Totals
Whanganui’s Rotokawau Virginia Lake, Kowhai Park, and Bason Botanic Gardens were closed due to high winds, with inspections planned once the risk of falling trees has passed. According to MetService meteorologist John Law, Whanganui Airport recorded approximately 54mm of rainfall overnight Sunday, while inland regions of the district experienced up to 85mm, with Kauangaroa receiving the heaviest rainfall. The strongest wind gust was recorded at Whanganui Airport on Monday morning, reaching 111km/h.
Whanganui Civil Defence emergency manager Tim Crowe stated that the primary reports received were regarding fallen trees, and crews have been working throughout the night to clear them. While the Whanganui River level is currently normal, Crowe noted that there may be localized ponding and flooding in low-lying areas.
Ongoing Assessment and Recovery
Rangitīkei District Council crews are currently assessing the damage to the roading network and clearing debris. Most schools across the district are closed on Monday, and residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel. Watson stated that while rainfall in the Rangitīkei District was not as heavy as initially predicted, the loss of power and numerous fallen trees, including one at his own property, represent a significant challenge.
Looking ahead, crews will continue to assess the damage and work to restore power and clear roads. The full extent of the impact will develop into clearer as the day progresses. Residents are encouraged to report fallen trees to Civil Defence or their respective district council.
Please share this information with anyone who may be affected and leave a comment below if you have been impacted by the storm.
