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Worst of flooding in Wellington region appears to be over

Author
Newstalk ZB staff,
Publish Date
Thu, 5 May 2016, 10:47AM
Photo: NZTA

Worst of flooding in Wellington region appears to be over

Author
Newstalk ZB staff,
Publish Date
Thu, 5 May 2016, 10:47AM

UPDATED 2.29PM The heavy rain that flooded Porirua this morning has weakened and moved on.

MetService meteorologist Claire Flynn said the weather system has headed north towards Palmerston North, though it's nowhere near as intense.

She said there will still be some rain around flooded areas, but it's light enough that the water can subside.

LISTEN ABOVE: Porirua mayor Nick Legget talks to Rachel Smalley

Ms Flynn said the worst is over in Porirua and Kapiti, and any rain won't be as significant as this morning.

Four people have had to be rescued from cars trapped by the flooding.

Rain is easing in the region, and all roads that were closed have re-opened, but there is still surface flooding in some parts of the city.

The fire service say it attended more than 50 callouts between 9am and midday.

Two welfare centres have been set up for anyone who can't get home.

Pania Houkamau-Ngaheu said already 14 people have come to the Horouata marae.

She said it's a dry, warm place with food that people can come to while they wait to go home.

The other welfare centre is at Titahi Bay School.

Six schools around Porirua will stay closed for the rest of the day - including Mana College, Porirua, Mahinawa, Paremata, Maraeroa and Papakowhai schools.

Earlier, a spokesperson at Maraeroa school in Cannons Creek said water was up to the office manager's desk.

Moira Gallagher Kindergarten was also evacuated and relocated to Windley School.

The Ministry of Education supplied additional transport help for Mahinawa School.

State Highway 58 between Paremata and the Hutt Valley has now re-opened, and there's been closures on parts of State Highway 1 and on the Paekakariki Hill Road.

NZTA's Mark Owen earlier said people need to take care as they were having trouble getting traffic to flow.

“If they could avoid their travel, particularly in those areas, that would be advantageous.

“We know everybody can’t. So please just adhere to the signs, don’t go through any water that you’re not sure of, if it’s too deep.

“Err on the side of caution and be safe.”

Buses have also been disrupted by the flooding.

Metlink said routes 220, 210 and 226 are affected with delays and diversions.

Some bus stops were also closed.

MetService is forecasting rain to head north to the Kapiti Coast as it eases early this afternoon.

The Wellington City Council had been inundated by calls from residents affected by flooding across the city.

People are being advised to stay away from flood waters as they may be polluted or be touching live wires.

 

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