18 August 2004

Storm update 12.30pm - waves close more South Coast roads

Dangerously big seas have forced the closure of another stretch of road along Wellington's South Coast.

Queens Drive and The Esplanade, between Lyall Bay and Island Bay, were closed just before 12 noon as waves crashed on to the roadway. City Council Infrastructure Manager Stavros Michael says Police and the Council have agreed it is too dangerous to allow traffic along the exposed stretch of road.

Further along the coast, Moa Point Road, at the southern end of the Airport, remains closed as seas crash over the breakwater. Meanwhile the continuing heavy rain was starting to cause significant concerns at midday.

* Takarau Gorge Road, between Johnsonville and Makara Beach, was closed by flooding about 11am, however Makara Road, closed earlier by slips and fallen trees, is now open.

* Takapu Road, a rural road near Tawa, has been closed by flooding, slips and fallen trees.

* The Northern Landfill, near Churton Park, has been closed due to strong winds blowing debris about.

* The Basin Reserve remains closed to the public. About 15 windows in the R A Vance Stand have been blown out by the southerly winds - and glass fragments have been blown out into the roadway. It is feared more windows could be blown out. People are advised to stay away from the area.

* Council Parks staff have closed off the walking tracks on Tinakori Hill due to the danger caused by many falling trees.

The Council's Call Centre has handled several hundred calls this morning. "It's been as busy as it gets," says Mr Michael.

ENDS

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