'Stay safe': DCC warns of possible flooding

Dunedin residents have been warned of possible flooding in some areas of the city and low-lying coastal roads, with severe weather set to batter parts of the South. 

Dunedin is in for a drenching, with heavy rain and strong winds are expected. MetService has issued an orange weather warning for heavy rain for the city between 11pm tonight and 11am tomorrow, when up to 90mm will fall at peak rates of up to 20mm per hour.

An orange rain warning is also in place for Clutha and Southland between 8pm tonight and 8am tomorrow, when 90mm is expected to fall at peak rates of up to 25mm per hour, and for Fiordland, where  a further 80 to 120mm of rain on top of what has already fallen is forecast from 9am until midnight tonight. 

Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria, snow may lower to about 1000m and thunderstorms are possible, a MetService spokesman said. ‘‘Note, the largest accumulations and hourly rainfall rates are most likely to occur about and north of a line from Balclutha to Nightcaps.’’

Snow flurries were possible on the top of the Crown Range Road, linking Queenstown and Wanaka, from 3am until 7am on Tuesday, but less than 1cm of snow was expected to settle, MetService said. 

Welfare centre open 

The Dunedin City Council said its staff and and contractors had been on the road since this morning clearing drains, checking stormwater systems, tanks and grates, and sweeping gutters.

MetService predicted the worst of the rain would come with strong coastal winds over a short period of time. The council said this may cause flooding in various locations around the city and low-lying coastal roads were also at risk from associated wave action.

"A primary concern remains the net effect of the wind, rain and high tide on our coastal communities," it said tonight. "Our main time period of concern centres on 3.30am to 4.30am as the high tide, significant rainfall and winds combined.  Civil Defence are maintaining a watching brief."

Dunedin mayor Jules Radich. Photo: ODT files
Dunedin mayor Jules Radich. Photo: ODT files
Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich said earlier in the evening the city was well prepared for this weather event. 

"Please make any preparations that are appropriate for your property and check on any friends and family that may benefit from your assistance," Mr Radich said. "As we move through this event, please do not drive around town. Stay home and stay safe."

The DCC advised it had opened a welfare centre for residents who may need to leave their homes.  From 8pm, people who may not feel safe in their place or residence, or who just want a warm drink and some company, could go to the Mercy Room at the Catholic Social Services at 42 Macandrew Rd in South Dunedin.

The DCC said its social media pages including the Dunedin City Council's Facebook page and www.dunedin.govt.nz would be constantly be updated with relevant information.

Chief executive Sandy Graham said the council had planned for this kind of rain event and was now acting on it. 

"This is a whole of city event, but as always some areas are at higher risk than others. So we are focusing on low-lying areas where we know we have challenges. Please look out for your neighbours, be sensible and take the precautions necessary now to stay safe and dry come later tonight.” 

Sandbags were available from 4.30pm today at the Ice Stadium at 101 Victoria Rd in Saint Kilda, Dunedin, and from 5pm at the Memorial Park Stadium, 187C Gordon Rd in Mosgiel.

Bags, sand and shovels would remain in place over night as a self-help service. People should bring a trailer and some able-bodied folk to shovel. 

"We are also asking residents to check mud tank grates near their homes," the council said. "If you notice a grate covered with debris, and if you can do so, please clear debris on to the footpath where it will be picked up by contractors when the weather clears.

"We will continue to closely monitor the situation and contractors will be on call to respond to issues as and when they arise."

A spokeswoman for the Clutha District Council said it was not expecting widespread issues as a result of the current forecast, but the heavy rain may cause some surface flooding on roads.

"People are urged to take care and drive to the conditions. It is not possible to signpost all surface flooding, so caution is required. Heavy rainfall can also impact the district’s water schemes. These will be monitored, and the public advised if they’re affected."

Southern police advised people in Otago and Southern districts to avoid any unnecessary travel and if possible, stay indoors. In an emergency, contact police on 111 or if it is after the fact, contact police on 105.

Fire and Emergency NZ warned Otago could be in for a rough night and to call 111 if life or property was at risk. Crews were always ready to assist. 

Meanwhile, orange heavy rain warnings had also been issued for Canterbury and Westland, MetService said. 

For the headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers about and south of Arthur's Pass: From noon until midnight on Monday, 110mm to 160mm of rain was forecast on the main divide, and 70 to 110 mm within 15km east of the divide. Peak rainfall rates of 25 to 40 mm/h on the main divide. Thunderstorms were possible.

For Westland about and south of Otira: From 9am on Monday until 7am on Tuesday, expect 210 to 260mm of rain to accumulate about the ranges, and 70 to 120mm near the coast. Peak rainfall rates of 25 to 40 mm/h this afternoon and evening about the ranges. Thunderstorms were possible.

Be prepared

Emergency Management Otago said it was keeping a close eye on the weather, due to affect parts of the region over the next few days.

Group manager Matt Alley said this afternoon the team was ready to respond, should communities be affected. 

"We are working closely with our colleagues at Otago Regional Council and have engaged with our partner agencies including Fire and Emergency NZ, police, St John, NZTA and welfare groups.”

The weather warning was a timely reminder for people to ensure their household plan, emergency supplies and getaway kits are prepared.

Residents should keep away from low-lying flood-prone areas, be aware that rivers and streams could rise quickly, and not drive through any flood water, Mr Alley advised. 

Strong winds and cold snap 

The wild weather was being caused by a strong and moist northwest flow over central and southern New Zealand, a MetService spokesman said. 

A front was moving north over the South Island today and into Tuesday, followed by a cold south to southwest change.

‘‘A deep low is expected to develop along this front to the east of the lower South Island on Tuesday, bringing the potential for severe gale southerlies, heavy rain and large southerly waves for eastern  parts of the South Island.’’

The heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly, surface flooding and slips were possible, and driving conditions may be hazardous, he said. 

Residents were advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts in case any changes are made, or further areas added.

Meanwhile, strong winds were also forecast as a front moves over the South Island today and tomorrow, followed by the cold south to southwest change, MetService said. 

"A deep low is expected to develop along this front to the east of the lower South Island on Tuesday, bringing the potential for severe gale southerlies, heavy rain and large southerly waves for eastern parts of the South Island."

A strong wind watch has been issued for North Otago and Dunedin, with severe gale south to southwest winds possible in exposed places, especially near the coast. 

- By John Lewis and ODT Online 

 

Advertisement