25/05/2010 9:46 a.m.

Flooding Begins as Waitaki hit by Heavy Rain

Waitaki District Civil Defence is dealing with flooding as forecast heavy rain overnight has continued. The rain and strong winds are expected to continue for the next few days. Many parts of the community are affected.

Rivers are rising quickly and surface flooding is occurring in many places around the District. Forecasts predict that the overnight rain will continue with another 100 to 150 mm expected by midnight tonight. A further 100mm is expected on Wednesday.

Residents in low-lying areas are advised to prepare for possible evacuation at short notice. “Residents need to listen to local radio stations for weather updates and to take note of any warnings that are issued.

Rivers

•Kakanui River risen to 200 cumecs at 8.32 am. Kakanui River was at it banks at 8.42 am.

•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.

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

o SH1 – closed at Deborah Underpass – detour available via Weston/Whiterocks Road

o SH1 – north of Oamaru near the town boundary

o SH1 – near 7 Mile Road

o SH 83 – Georgetown

o SH83 – Black Point – marginal for traffic

•The following local roads are known to be affected by surface flooding at this time:

o Cowans Road – Five Forks End

o Cormacks/Kia Ora Road

o Weston/Ngapara Road

o Ferry Road

o Tiverstowe/Brookstead/Smillies Road

o Fernbrook Road, Meon Street, Berkeley Place, Oamaru

o Grove Avenue, Weston

o Chelmer Street, Oamaru

Flooding affecting Homes

•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.

Schools and Kindergartens •Rural schools at Maheno, Papakaio, Kakanui, Enfield, Five Forks, Otepopo, Hampden, Ardgowan and Totara, as well as Westmount School at Enfield have been advised to close today.

•High Schools at Oamaru and Palmerston are open today, but looking at sending students home.

•Oamaru Intermediate School is closed today.

•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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