Dunedin City Council
13 April 2017
The Dunedin City Council will continue to closely monitor the heavy rain situation overnight, but at this stage is not anticipating any major issues to arise.
The latest MetService severe weather warning predicts rain to ease Thursday morning. In the 16 hours from 8pm today to midday Thursday, a further 50 to 60mm is forecast to accumulate on top of what has already fallen (about 52mm to 9pm) . Maximum rainfall rates are expected to be 15mm per hour. Winds are beginning to increase and a further period of heavy rain is likely Thursday night/Friday morning. This is subject to change.
DCC Civil Defence Controller Ruth Stokes says the Emergency Operations Centre will remain open overnight to monitor the situation, but at this stage is not anticipating any major issues.
The DCC has to date not actively evacuated any residents, and there have so far been no reports of flooded properties.
As a precaution, the DCC had established three information centres throughout the city.
In South Dunedin, the Caledonian Gymnasium, 265 Andersons Bay Road will remain open. Due to very limited demand, the other two centres, in North Dunedin and Mosgiel, have closed.
Provisions for emergency accommodation are in place should the need arise. Anyone affected by flooding who needs emergency accommodation, or anyone with any other flood related queries, should call the DCC on 03 477 4000.
Rubbish collection
Rubbish collection on Thursday will go ahead as normal, but people should not leave bins and bags out overnight. Rubbish and recycling should be left out in the morning by 7am. If streets have flooding, people should not put bags and bins out.
Sandbags
There has been a steady demand for sandbags this evening. Sand and bags will remain available at the four pick-up points listed below throughout the night. The pick-up points will not be manned unless the situation deteriorates. The pick-up points are:
Please bring a shovel with you to assist in maintaining the sandbag supply.
River levels
The Otago Regional Council (ORC) is continuing to closely monitor Otago river levels in light of the heavy rain forecast overnight and into tomorrow as a result of Cyclone Cook.
ORC Director Engineering, Hazards and Science Dr Gavin Palmer said river flows across coastal Otago are expected to increase overnight. At this stage the bulk of the predicted rain is forecast to fall in the Dunedin area, however the ORC will monitor river levels across Otago.
“In Dunedin we are paying particular attention to Silver Stream at Gordon Rd spillway, Lindsay Creek in North East Valley, and the Water of Leith around Leith Street central. We have staff on the ground to monitor these areas overnight, and will also continue to monitor live flow data across Otago to keep an eye on river levels in the region,” Dr Palmer said.
The ORC encourages people to keep an eye on the Dunedin City Council website, Otago Civil Defence website, and weather reports, and make sure they are prepared for what could be a significant weather event.
Live water flow information can be found at http://water.orc.govt.nz/WaterInfo.
Roading and stormwater
Roading crews will be working throughout the night.
Highcliff Road, from Camp Road to just above Portobello Road, was closed at 6pm due to safety reasons and will remain closed overnight. 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.
A full list of road closures and conditions is available online at www.dunedin.govt.nz/road-conditions.
The stormwater system continues to work well.
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:
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.
www.facebook.com/DunedinCityCouncil
https://twitter.com/DnCityCouncil
ENDS
For more information/comment, please contact
Dunedin City Council Duty Public Information Manager
Phone: 021 517 859
