Rotorua was under an orange heavy rain warning yesterday with MetService warning that streams and rivers could rise rapidly, increasing the risk of surface flooding.<\/p>\n
Drivers were being warned of possible slips and hazardous conditions, especially in hill country and rural areas.<\/p>\n
Underdown said the Rotorua fire brigade was called to the incident around 10pm. Firefighters helped the person get across the road to where they could be seen by ambulance staff.<\/p>\n
A Hato Hone St John spokesman said the service was called just after 10pm. An ambulance had taken one person with moderate injuries to Rotorua Hospital.<\/p>\n
NZME has requested further comment from police.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, State Highway 2 through the Waioweka Gorge is closed due to a slip discovered overnight, NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) says.<\/p>\n
People are urged to delay travel where possible or allow at least three hours of extra time for a long detour, either via State Highway 35 or State Highway 5. <\/p>\n
NZTA crews will continue monitoring and maintaining the detour route to ensure it remains safe and accessible.<\/p>\n
While the orange heavy rain warning has been lifted, the entire North Island is now under a severe weather watch as Cyclone Vaianu bears down from the tropics<\/a>.<\/p>\n While the exact track of the Category 3 storm isn\u2019t yet clear, the worst weather is expected to hit on Sunday, with power outages, flooding and road closures possible.<\/p>\n