The Ngati Maru Highway, which leads into the Thames township, flooded after heavy rain from Cyclone Gabrielle. Photo: RNZ / Luka Forman
Forecast heavy rain could overwhelm north Waikato's drainage schemes, the regional council is warning.
All of Waikato is under a heavy rain warning or watch, and severe wind watches are in place for some areas.
Regional flood coordinator Rick Liefting said the heavy rain, which was expected to arrive early Tuesday morning, could "exceed the design" of Waikato Regional Council's land drainage schemes in the north.
"That means surface water may not be removed within the three-day level of service. So landowners are advised to ensure stock is moved to higher ground or away from areas which may be isolated due to floodwaters," he said.
"The Waikato region has received its fair share of rain over recent weeks and while the sunny weather over the past week has provided a welcome reprieve, our catchments remain saturated and river levels elevated. Any further rain will flow off the catchments and result in water courses rising quickly.
"All our land drainage schemes are operating as they should, but will be working hard, with some potentially taking longer to drain water from paddocks."
He warned that localised heavy rain could cause landslips, surface flooding and water courses to rise quickly, while the combination of saturated catchments and severe winds would increase the susceptibility for tree fall.
"The forecast strong winds will cause coastal water levels to rise along with increased waves likely causing some minor coastal impacts along the southern Firth of Thames and eastern Coromandel Peninsula coasts," Liefting said.
"We are also monitoring long-range forecasts, as any further events will compound impacts of this week's rain.
"We have been working with our partner agencies, including civil defence emergency management, to ensure they are informed of the potential impacts of this week's forecast heavy rain."
The council said people could visit its website for further information, including links to water level and rainfall data.
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