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POSTED ON: 19 April 2026 | IN: Notices & Updates

Severe Weather Forecast: 20-21 April 2026

Information is current at 8am Friday April.

The situation

The severe weather event has passed, but impacts remain across parts of the Wairarapa. A State of Emergency remains in place while assessments continue and recovery planning begins.

We continue to see impacts from the last two days severe weather to our roads, infrastructure and communities. We are aware of power outages affecting properties in the district. Hazards such as slips and high rivers are still present.

Streams and rivers may continue to rise. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions are still likely to occur.

It is important that people do not take any risks. While things slowly recede, it is still important to drive to the conditions. There will still be damage, slips and pockets of surface flooding to be mindful of.

Please continue to respect road closures, check official sources for updates, and look out for neighbours and whānau, especially in rural areas.

Visit the MetService website for up-to-date weather information.

Roading impacts

For 24/7 state highway updates check NZTA website.

  • Te Rata Road in Pirinoa CLOSED due to flooding
  • Ngakonui Road in Hinekura CLOSED

General advice

Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions are possible.  

  • Do not travel on the roads if not necessary. It’s possible that bridges could close which will impact alternative routes. Keep an eye on your local council site for road closures.    
  • If you need to self-evacuate, get out quickly and stay with friends and family. If you don’t have friends or family, call 0800 239 247 for support from the emergency operations welfare team.   
  • Move out of low‑lying and flood‑prone areas. Flood-prone areas are those that have experienced multiple flooding events in recent years.  
  • Never walk, swim or drive through flood water.  
  • Evacuate immediately to higher ground if flood waters rise. Do not wait for an alert if you feel you are in danger.  
  • In an emergency or life threatening situation, call 111.   

Check out WREMO and National Civil Defence websites for preparedness tips and advice.

Advice around slips and landslides

With all this heavy rain falling, we’re at an increased risk of landslips occurring. Make sure you know the warning signs so you can act quickly if you see them:

  • Small slips, rock falls, and sinking land, at the bottom of slopes.
  • Sticking doors and window frames, which may mean the land is slowly moving under the building.
  • Gaps where window frames are not fitting properly.
  • Steps, decks, and verandas, moving or tilting away from the rest of the building.
  • New cracks or bulges on the ground, road, footpath, retaining walls and other hard surfaces.
  • Tilting trees, retaining walls, or fences.

Trust your danger sense – if you suspect that a landslide is about to occur, get away immediately.

Public transport and schools

Stay informed

Report damage and issues

Use these channels to report issues you come across: