ORC Heavy rainfall Update #3
Friday 21 July
Otago Regional Council’s flood management team is at full strength ahead of the heavy rain that is forecast for coastal
Otago today and tomorrow.
Rivers are still currently at normal winter levels but are expected to rise swiftly. Widespread surface flooding is also
expected in all low-lying areas including South Dunedin.
Scott MacLean, ORC’s Director of Environmental Monitoring and Operations, says that people in coastal areas throughout
Otago should be aware of the potential for flooding, with a combination of heavy rain and storm surges, with galeforce
winds and high tides also forecast. MetService is also predicting heavy snowfalls in inland Otago tonight and into
tomorrow.
ORC’s flood management team are constantly updating their models that relate rainfall to river levels and flows. They
will be working closely with the Waitaki District, Dunedin City and Clutha District Councils and Emergency Management
Otago throughout today, overnight and into the weekend.
Chris Hawker, Manager of Emergency Management Otago, said staff were on standby to activate whenever required. “We’re
asking people to look at their own circumstances, depending on where they live,” Mr Hawker said. “If they are in
low-lying areas then their access could be affected by flooding; their homes may be cut-off. People in parts of South
Dunedin will be aware of the risk of surface flooding, and those along the coast need to think about the impact of high
tides and wave action, and stay away from the shoreline. There’s also the possibility of power cuts if high winds bring
down power poles.”
Boaties are also advised to check their moorings and monitor the marine forecast.
ENDS