An elderly man has died after his vehicle became submerged in floodwaters in the Ōtorohanga District following severe weather conditions on Friday evening.
According to a report by Nadine Roberts of Stuff, emergency services were called to the incident near Puketotara, where Brent Knowles’ car was found underwater. Police later confirmed the tragic discovery.
“Sadly, one person was located deceased inside the vehicle,” a police spokesperson said.
Tributes have begun to flow from the community. Venturer Fishing Charters Kawhia shared a message online on Sunday remembering Knowles as a loyal customer. “Rest in peace Brent.”
Knowles’ daughter also posted an emotional tribute, describing him as a “beautiful Dad,” Stuff has quoted.
“You were my world, I loved you so much. Life will never be the same. Broken.”
Others remembered him as an “awesome person” who was also known as “Mr Perfect”.
Rodney Dow said that although he did not know Knowles personally, his thoughts were with the family during this difficult time.
Deputy Mayor Katrina Christison described the loss as “devastating”.
“The whole community is thinking of the family. We don’t get hit like this,” she told Stuff on Sunday morning.
Christison urged residents to drive carefully during dangerous conditions and encouraged community members to support neighbours affected by the severe weather. She also invited volunteers willing to help with the clean-up to contact the council. “I know there’s a lot in the community who want to make that happen,” as reported by Nadine Roberts of Stuff.
Meanwhile, forecasters at MetService warn that the weather system affecting the country is expected to intensify. A significant low-pressure system is forecast to deepen east of the North Island on Sunday, bringing heavy rain, severe gales, and rough seas to large parts of the eastern and southern North Island, the upper South Island, and the Chatham Islands, Nadine Roberts of Stuff has reported.
Orange rain and wind warnings are already in place, with conditions expected to worsen in some areas.
Orange heavy rain warnings cover parts of Gisborne/Tairāwhiti, Hawke’s Bay, inland Whanganui, Manawatū, Wairarapa, and the Tararua Range. Rainfall totals of 100mm to 160mm are forecast in some eastern hills and ranges, with bursts of up to 30mm an hour possible overnight from Sunday into Monday.
According to Stuff, authorities warn that streams and rivers could rise quickly, potentially causing surface flooding, slips, and hazardous driving conditions. Heavy rain watches remain in place for other parts of Hawke’s Bay, Wellington, and the eastern hills and ranges of Marlborough and Canterbury between Seddon and Amberley.
Strong wind warnings have been issued for Wairarapa, Tararua District, Wellington, and eastern Marlborough, where south to southwesterly gusts could reach 130km/h in exposed areas. Forecasters say there is a low to moderate chance some wind warnings could be upgraded to red if the system deepens further.
Strong wind watches also extend across Manawatū, Taihape, Whanganui, Horowhenua, the Kāpiti Coast, inland Marlborough, and the Chatham Islands as the severe weather continues to develop.