25/05/2010 11:17 a.m.

Heavy Rain Forecast to Ease

Waitaki District Civil Defence is busy dealing with flooding but pleased to hear that heavy rain is now forecast to ease over the next two days. While many parts of the community are affected, the MetService is now indicating that the heaviest rainfalls have already occurred and rainfall in the next 48 hours will be less than previously predicted.

Rainfall for Tuesday afternoon is forecast for 4-8mm per hour increasing to 6-10mm per hour with the “odd heavier fall”. Rain is then expected to “ease significantly” on Wednesday morning.

One piece of bad news is that the first “low snow” of the year is expected on Wednesday night, with snow showers down to 200-300 metres expected Thursday morning.

The Kakanui River has fallen to 150 cumecs from a peak of 200 cumecs earlier this morning. The Kakanui may rise again with overnight rain but is unlikely to go over 200 cumecs tonight. Civil Defence is also watching the Shag River closely as the combination of river flows and high tide is a concern.

Rivers

Kakanui River now 150 (previously 200) cumecs. May rise again overnight but not expected to exceed 200 cumecs tonight.

Shag River also rising quickly and running at 6.7 cumecs at 7.30 am.

Island Stream has burst its banks at Maheno

Oamaru Creek has burst its banks affecting Chelmer Street and Old Mill Road

Roads

• Motorists are advised to avoid travelling in all areas. If driving, they must drive to the conditions and be alert to surface flooding on roads throughout the District. Drivers are asked to drive slowly as wave action will wash water into roadside properties.

• The following State highways are known to be affected by surface flooding at this tim

o SH1 – North of Oamaru – closed to southbound traffic at Waitaki Bridge – no detour.

o SH1 – North of Oamaru – closed to northbound traffic at SH 83 junction – no detour.

o SH83 - open

o SH1 – closed south of Oamaru – signed detour in place.

• Many local roads are known to be affected by surface flooding at this time – a full list can be found at www.waitaki.govt.

Flooding affecting Homes and Businesses

There are reports of flooding affecting properties at Richmond (north of Oamaru), Dacre Street & Brent Street, Oamaru.

A property at York Street, Richmond has been evacuated.

The Alliance meat works at Pukeuri closed at 10am to allow workers to make it home safely.

Schools and Kindergartens

All Rural schools are Closed.

Intermediate and High Schools Closed

Oamaru Kindergartens are closed today.

Rural School buses are not running today.

All residents are encouraged to ensure that their emergency kits are ready. For further information on emergency preparedness residents are advised to check the back page of their telephone book or visit www.getthru.govt.nz

“People are advised to be prepared and to contact their neighbours to check that they too are prepared” said Mr Mabon.

ENDS

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