Dunedin April Severe Weather update #3

Dunedin City Council’s Emergency Operations Centre remains activated and prepared to respond to any issues arising from heavy rain forecast for tonight and tomorrow.

Civil Defence Controller Ruth Stokes says the DCC is taking a cautious approach and encouraging residents in low-lying areas who feel concerned to self-evacuate themselves to stay with friends or family who live on higher ground if required. 

DCC staff and civil defence personnel are door-knocking in parts of low lying areas such as South Dunedin and Mosgiel to check on the welfare of residents.

All residents are encouraged to check on neighbours, particularly if they are vulnerable.

Anyone who is feeling anxious about floodwaters should contact the DCC on 03 477 4000, or visit one of the information centres which are being established for anyone who needs information. These information centres will also potentially be used as welfare centres if the need develops. The centres will open at 6pm and are located at:

• South Dunedin – Caledonian Gymnasium, 265 Andersons Bay Road
• North Dunedin – George Street Normal School Hall, 989 George Street
• Mosgiel – Mosgiel Memorial Park Gymnasium, Gordon Road

Provisions for emergency accommodation are also being made should the need arise. Anyone affected by flooding who needs emergency accommodation should call the DCC on 03 477 4000.

Sandbags

People concerned about rising water and wanting to divert running water can pick up sandbags from four points across the city. Please note that if streets are already full of ponding water, sandbagging is ineffective against flooding occurring. The pick-up points are:

• North Dunedin – Opoho sportsground car park (Warden Street) beside the tennis court
• South Dunedin – carpark behind St Clair Tennis Club, Victoria Road
• Mosgiel – Memorial Park car park beside the stadium/Mosgiel Memorial Gymnasium
• Ocean Grove – Tomahawk Lagoon Outlet (on the right hand side of Tomahawk Road)

Please bring a shovel with you to assist in maintaining the sandbag supply.

River levels

Flood management staff from Otago Regional Council are actively monitoring Dunedin rivers, in particular The Water of Leith, Lindsay Creek and Silver Stream. They will have staff on the ground throughout the night to visually monitor the rivers, and will also closely monitor live flow data, which is also available to the public at http://water.orc.govt.nz/WaterInfo

ORC is providing DCC with regular updates on river levels, based on modelling the data from live flow information and updated weather reports. They are working closely with DCC to ensure there is time for warnings if there is potential for flooding leading to areas that may need to be evacuated.

Roading & stormwater

Teams have been out all day working to clear debris from mud tank grates and gutters to allow water to flow. A couple of minor slips on Portobello Road were cleared this morning. Additional crews will be working throughout the night.

Highcliff Road, from Camp Road to just above Portobello Road, will be closed at 6pm due to safety reasons and remain closed overnight.  Access will be available for residents. Due to the weather, we’re encouraging anyone who needs to travel on this section of Highcliff Road to do so before 6pm.

Emergency access for Sandymount Road residents is via Hoopers Inlet and emergency access for Seal Point Road Residents is via Pukehiki.

Drive to the conditions. Please do not drive on flooded roads as the vehicle wash can increase flooding on private properties.

The stormwater system continues to work well, screens are clear and all pumps are available.

DCC rubbish & recycling collection services (please note updated & corrected since last update)

For the CBD and South Dunedin Shopping Precinct: There will be no rubbish bag collection tonight.

For all other areas scheduled for kerbside collection of rubbish and recycling tomorrow: Please do not leave bins and bags out overnight tonight. We will assess the situation in the morning, but at this stage we are planning to collect rubbish and recycling as normal. If your street is flooded in the morning, please do not put your bins and bags out.

Sportgrounds/Freedom camping sites closed

All DCC sportsgrounds are currently closed. Due to the weather all freedom camping area sites are closed until further notice. Campers are advised to find alternative an accommodation site tonight.

General preparedness

We are advising people to be prepared. Things you can do include:

• If your basement is prone to flooding lift items that could be damaged by water off the floor. Be sure garden sprays and other chemicals won’t be affected.
• Check grates near your house for blockages and keep them clear of leaves and other debris to avoid water building up and affecting your property.

For the public to keep up to date with what is happening and for advice about what to do if the rain gets worse, please see the DCC website, DCC social media, listen to the radio and use other media.

Please refer family, friends and neighbours to these communication channels.

Contact: DCC

Phone: 03 477 4000