Floodgates were to be opened in the Manawatu this morning, to lower rising river levels.

Heavy rain eased overnight, but State Highway 56 remains closed due to flooding, reports Radio Live.

Horizons Regional Council spokeswoman Ally Koehler says farmers have been asked to move stock.

“We’re looking at opening the gates a bit later on this morning and that will just relieve pressure on the Manawatu River by letting the water into the floodways there, and that happens slowly over a long period,” says Ms Koehler.
The gates will be opened around 7am.

Meanwhile further north snow is keeping the Desert Road closed.

– Homepage image / Jeanie Griffin

– 3news.co.nz & WeatherWatch.co.nz