Public information release #2
Published on 15 February 2023
Tree blocking road at Reid's Hill, between Kauangaroa and Fordell
Although Whanganui district appears to have escaped the worst of Cyclone Gabrielle, Mayor Andrew Tripe urges people to drive safely, only travel rurally when necessary and minimise risk after the storm.
Kauangaroa Road, Rangitatau East Road and Mangamahu Road are closed, as is SH4 Raetihi to Upokongaro (the Parapara Road), due to tree falls and slips.
“Roading crews are assessing damage on these roads and clearing them where possible,” Mayor Andrew says.
Last night’s high winds also resulted in several trees down in our district, including a number of trees in rural areas as well as eight to ten trees in town. Two trees have come down at Rotokawau Virginia Lake – one across a pathway. Contractors are prioritising tree clean-up in the district – the Rotokawau Virginia Lake trees are likely to be cleared away tomorrow.
“I know Whanganui has a DIY attitude to getting things done and helping others, but please don’t attempt to chainsaw fallen branches in high winds or rain,” Mayor Andrew says.
Mayor Andrew says the Civil Defence Emergency Management Team has been monitoring the event since Friday afternoon in terms of how it was likely to affect Whanganui.
“We have come out of this relatively unscathed, but we still need to keep an eye on our neighbours, friends and whānau. I would urge everyone to review their family and organisational civil defence plans for next time.
“Our team has been keeping an eye on the Whanganui River level and there haven’t been any issues with water levels.”
“Civil Defence is also keeping an eye on our neighbours within the Horizons Region, particularly in Rangītikei, Tararua and Manawatu, to see how we may be able to support them in a recovery,” Mayor Andrew says.
Unsettled weather, including patches of rain, is expected in the district over the next several days.
If your property has been affected by the weather, or you see damage to public spaces, please call the council on 06 349 0001. And always call triple one (111) if you need an emergency response from Police, Fire or Ambulance.
ROADING UPDATES
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Kauangaroa Road (at Reids Hill) is closed due to a large tree blocking the road. Roading clean-up crews are currently working on re-opening the road.
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Rangitatau East Road (at Paparangi) is closed. Roading clean-up crews are working on opening roads currently.
POWER UPDATES
While Whanganui has only had minor power outages, please visit https://outages.powerco.co.nz/ to check your place.
WEATHER UPDATES
For weather updates visit https://www.metservice.com/national