27 July 2022
Media release #4
Rain continues to fall across Otago
MetService have extended the heavy rain warning until 3.00pm today with North Otago and Dunedin expecting a further 15 -20mm in addition to what has already fallen. Accumulated amounts reached up to 140mm across Dunedin and 120mm in North Otago in the previous 24 hours.
Emergency Management Otago is advising people to take extra care when out and about today.
State highway 1 Dunedin to Palmerston remains closed and SH1 Maheno is open with speed restrictions and a number of local roads in Waitaki are closed or on restrictions. Some local roads in Waitaki, Clutha and Dunedin remain closed, and people are advised to check their Council website for updates.
Orbus Dunedin's route 1 bus service (to/from Palmerston) has been suspended and updates will be posted on Orbus Dunedin facebook page and the below schools are currently closed, parents should be in contact with their schools to find out when they reopen.
Residents who were evacuated from the Water of Leith area returned home this morning and the evacuation centre is closed but available to reopen at short notice should it be required.
A massive effort was made from Dunedin City contractors and members of the public to fill sandbags for residents whose properties may have been at risk of flooding and contractors are out this morning checking for infrastructure damage caused by the rain.
Otago Regional Council engineering staff continue to monitor vulnerable rivers and streams and the Shag, Kakanui and Taieri rivers still remain high and the Leith will continue to rise over the next few hours with the Henley spillway predicated to operate later this morning.
The list of rivers is available on the top of the Otago Regional Council’s website https://www.orc.govt.nz/managing-our-environment/water/water-monitoring-and-alerts#MonitoringSites.
Group Controller, Matt Alley said” We believe the worst of this weather event is behind us however we are maintaining a watchful eye throughout the rest of the day. People should continue check Facebook pages, websites and Waka Kotahi for updates on state highway and local road conditions”.
