The Pohangina River rises and parts of Pohangina Valley in flood.

Officials are continuing to monitor river levels after heavy rain in Manawatū.

The Manawatū River level resulted in the Moutoa floodgates being opened on Wednesday morning.

Horizons Regional Council river management group manager Ramon Strong said rain in Tararua and Manawatū catchments had caused river levels to rise.

"At this stage it is predicted to peak between 5.2 and 5.5 metres at the old Teachers' College recorder site [on Wednesday] morning," he said.

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Strong said his staff would also be keeping a close eye on the Rangitīkei, Pohangina and Ōroua rivers.

WARWICK SMITH/STUFF Water laps at the Pohangina River bridge near Totara Reserve.

"The Rangitīkei is currently at 7.1m at Mangaweka, and may rise another half a metre, making it one of the largest events since 2004.

"The Pohangina is getting near its expected peak of 3.9m but may result in road closures. Our emergency management staff have been in touch with the school, camping ground and Highland Home to advise of this," he said on Tuesday.

WARWICK SMITH/STUFF The swollen Pohangina River from Raumai Bridge on Pohangina East Valley Rd.

"There are also no concerns for the Whanganui River which is currently only at 6m at Pipiriki," Strong said.

A road north of Palmerston North was flooded, after a stream off the Pohangina River burst its banks in heavy rain.

Pohangina Valley East Rd was flooded, and reports suggested water was up to a metre deep in places, a police spokeswoman said on Tuesday afternoon.

"There's extensive flooding on the road."

The road is open, but has water across the tarmac.

WARWICK SMITH/STUFF Floodwater from the Pohangina River in parts of Pohangina Valley.

​Awahōu School at Pohangina had to close early on Tuesday after stream levels rose during the day.

The call was made to close the school at 11.30am and the children were sent home by 12.30pm, principal Matt Schmidt said.

"The Raumai bridge, that's probably the highest I've seen [the water level]," he said. "Probably a couple of feet under the bridge."

Wet weather also caused the closure of some roads in Tararua due to slips.

Huia Rd south of Pongaroa, Haunui Rd near Tiraumea, Makairo Track near Kumeroa and Route 52 near Weber are closed.