Dunedin April Severe Weather update #1
11.30am, Wednesday, 12 April 2017

Dunedin City Council has activated its Emergency Operations Centre ahead of anticipated flooding issues expected in the city later today and overnight.

The most up-to-date severe weather warning issued by the MetService this morning forecasts periods of heavy rain are expected until early Thursday morning. In the 27 hours from 9am today to midday Thursday, 100 to 120mm is forecast to accumulate on top of what has already fallen, with maximum rainfall rates of 15mm per hour.

DCC Civil Defence Controller Ruth Stokes says the volume and intensity of the rain forecast is expected to cause flooding issues throughout the city, particularly in low-lying areas in South Dunedin, Kaikorai Valley and Mosgiel. There are also likely to be issues in areas of North Dunedin.

Mrs Stokes says the heaviest rain is expected in the early hours overnight from around midnight to 2am.

“We are therefore encouraging residents in those low-lying areas who feel concerned to make plans now to self-evacuate themselves to stay with friends or family who live on higher ground if required.

“People should check on neighbours, particularly if they are vulnerable.

“We are also looking to set up evacuation/welfare centres for anyone who potentially needs somewhere to stay tonight and/or more information. More information about these will be made available once locations are confirmed,” she says.

The EOC was activated at 11am today to monitor rainfall and provide a co-ordinated response.

Personnel from key agencies are working together to co-ordinate the response and use resources efficiently.

A state of emergency has not been declared at this stage.

At this stage, there are no major issues related to heavy rain.

Teams will be 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.

The storm water system is currently working well, screens are clear and all pumps are available.

Rubbish collection is running as normal this morning.

The CBD’s rubbish collection is cancelled for Wednesday night.

If your street is scheduled for collection on Thursday morning, 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.

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

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

• Check spoutings and drainage channels for blockages and clear them if necessary
• 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.

www.dunedin.govt.nz
www.facebook.com/DunedinCityCouncil
https://twitter.com/DnCityCouncil

ENDS

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