ORC Heavy Rainfall Media Update #2
River works on the Leith River and other coastal catchments have been suspended ahead of heavy rain forecast for the
next two days.
Otago Regional Council’s Director of Environmental Monitoring and Operations, Scott MacLean, said that the priority was
to keep river channels and floodways clear for heavy flows.
MetService is predicting up to 200mm of rain to fall in Eastern Otago including Dunedin tomorrow and overnight into
Saturday. The rain is forecast to fall as snow above 600m tomorrow night.
ORC is continuing to model the impact that this intensity of rainfall will have on rivers in coastal areas and in
Dunedin. Mr MacLean reiterated earlier warnings that people in low-lying areas, including South Dunedin, should expect
surface flooding.
ORC will be issuing regular updates on its website, Facebook and Twitter accounts and via the media as this event
progresses. “People can check river levels and rainfall for themselves on our WaterInfo page at any time,” Mr MacLean
said.
Emergency Management Otago staff are also on standby to support the Dunedin City and Waitaki District Councils over the
next 48 hours.
ENDS