Media Release #5: Be vigilant and safe as rain persists in Otago
Be vigilant and stay in a safe space as rain persists across much of Otago – but especially the coastal areas into the late evening.
Be vigilant and stay in a safe space as rain persists across much of Otago – but especially the coastal areas into the late evening.
04 October 2024
Roads continue to be impacted by flooding and slips – most recently including SH 1 south of Dunedin between Waihola and Milton and to the north between Palmerston and Evansdale, and also Palmerston to Hampden - and elsewhere across the region. Heading inland, SH 85 from Palmerston to Kyeburn is now also closed.
Following Dunedin’s emergency declaration late yesterday, at 1pm one was made for Balclutha also, reflecting the on-going nature of the weather front and its effect on the Pomahaka and Clutha Rivers, which have both risen over the past four hours to 1pm.
This situation has further heightened the potential for slips across roads and properties, says Dunedin-based, Group Controller for Emergency Management Otago (EMO), Matt Alley.
“I ask that people please be aware of their surroundings and that if they feel threatened and need to move, don’t wait to be told to leave – act now if there are rising waters or slips. In emergency situations, call 111 immediately,” he says.
During the 48 hours to about 10.30am this morning, almost 90mm of rain had fallen in Balclutha while Dunedin city received 160mm; with 180mm around the suburban hills.
Mr Alley says in several areas the amount of rain was further compounded by its washing snow-melt across already sodden paddocks and into already swollen rivers.
“This is a very unpredictable element for forecasters,” he says of the snow-melt.
“People have to exercise common sense and stay away from rivers, even if they appear to be stabilising, as some may again begin to peak and hit warning levels,” he says.
People should also be aware there have been power and communications outages, which could yet hit their own areas tonight.
The latest Metservice forecast has predicted 40-60mm of rain around Dunedin from 11am through to about 11pm; albeit the rain should begin easing from about 9pm.
Mr Alley says there have been reports today from residents in several flooded areas that the wash from sightseers’ car is causing problems.
“People should not be unnecessarily driving around, especially if this causes damage to other peoples’ properties. Car wakes can flood into already damaged properties and houses,” he highlighted.
There have been slips near Dunedin suburbs of Ravensbourne and Macandrew Bay have affected water supplies, with tankers standing by to go to those areas.
“We need people to stay at home, away from roads, and if able to do so safely, check on the welfare of neighbours,” he says.
Mr Alley suggests farmers continue assess their circumstances this afternoon around whether stock should again be moved to higher ground – but only if it is safe to do so.
“Any potential stock losses is distressing for farmers and our thoughts are with them and everyone else affected,” he says.
Waka Kotahi also continue to request people avoid all non-essential travel, but if they must travel, be prepared for unexpected hazards when driving in these conditions, and with the evening drawing on.
For updates on all state highways, check our Journey Planner website which is updated 24/7, here: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions
Mr Alley says people can keep updated on this changing situation through Emergency Management Otago’s Facebook page and website, and websites and Facebook of Waka Kotahi, and local district and city councils.
Limited Dunedin buses are operating at present, which is being reviewed hour-by-hour. See the Orbus web site for updates on service.
NZTA Waka Kotahi road closures:
Three state highways closed earlier Otago.
SH88 between Forsyth Barr Stadium and Port Chalmers: Closed due to a serious slip at Maia affecting properties and the highway, as well as several smaller slips along SH88 and around Parry St.
Please note, the informal detour roads above SH88 aren’t suitable for large, heavy vehicles and unless people have an urgent need to travel, they should keep these routes clear also.
SH87 Kyeburn to Hyde (north of Middlemarch): closed due to flooding.
SH90 Waikoikoi to Tapanui: closed due to flooding.
Metservice weather precis:
The duration and the amounts of rain are very unusual and major impacts have already been felt in North
Otago, Dunedin and coastal Clutha.
Predictions are for 40 to 60 mm of rain, on top of what already has fallen, with the heaviest falls about the eastern hills. Expect peak rates of 8 to 15 mm per hour. The rain has already caused major impacts and these are likely to continue until the rain eases late this evening.
There are currently 14 Otago Regional Council river monitoring stations which are currently in flood warning alert, including:
WELFARE:
The St Clair Golf Club welfare centre is closing. If you feel you need to get to a welfare centre in Dunedin, the
Forsyth Barr Stadium is still open. Brighton Surf Life Saving Club is open for people in that area.
SANDBAGS:
Sandbags are still available at South Dunedin (Ice Stadium), Mosgiel (Memorial Park carpark) and
Middlemarch (Showgrounds). There will soon be some bags and sand available at the East Otago Events Centre.
WATER:
All flood water should be treated as contaminated. Please keep out and away from all flood and river water.
West Harbour and Peninsula residents are being told to conserve water. Tanks are on the way to supply residents with drinking water, they should bring their own containers to fill.
Waitaki:
Windsor Water Supply - Conserve Water
Corriedale Water Management Ltd has advised that the Windsor Water Supply has been shut down due to the Kakanui River being high and dirty. Consumers on the Windsor Water Supply should conserve water until further notice.
Awamoko Scheme: Conserve Water Notice
Reports of wastewater overflows, stay out of floodwaters, treat water as contaminated, numerous roads closed