Update on Effects of Southerly Storm in Porirua

The big clean up around Porirua city continues today with some areas unlikely to be back to normal until at least the middle of the week:

Roading

·         Paekakariki Hill Road remains closed.  Roading contractors are working to clear the road of the many downed trees while the electricity contractors are working to put powerlines back up and restore power to the area.  It is estimated that the road will not reopen until Tuesday at the earliest.

·         Belmont Road is completely blocked with large trees covering the road and it is unlikely the road will reopen until Monday.

·         Jillett Road in Titahi Bay is closed at one end with large trees down.  It is hoped they will be all cleared away by Monday.

·         There is a partial road closure at Airlie Road due to a slip but the road can still be accessed from State Highway 1 at Whenua Tapu and from Sunset Parade in Plimmerton.

·         There is flooding at the Paekakariki Hill Road end of Grays Road which reopened this morning to traffic from both directions.  Care is needed by road users in this area, especially close to high tide which is at 9.35pm tonight.

Power

·         Power remains out in parts of Porirua including areas such as Titahi Bay, Judgeford and Ranui. 

·         Wellington Electricity is working hard to restore power and have brought in extra crews of linesmen from outside of the region to help restore power to consumers as soon as possible.

·         Wellington Electricity has asked that if homes are still without power to please ring them on 0800 248 148 so they can identify all the pockets of the region that still need work.

·         Hot showers at Te Rauparaha Arena Aquatic Centre are available free to people who still have no power at home and the Porirua Club is also welcoming people for tea and coffee and a warm environment.

·         The Council also advises people without power that if they cannot stay at home because of the cold, to arrange to stay with friends and family until the power comes back on.

Tree clearance

·         Council crews and their contractors have been working since first light to clear away downed trees from the city’s parks and reserves.

·         Large macrocarpas have come down across Whitby Walkway and contractors have been working to cut these up and clear the walkway all day.  That work will continue tomorrow and once complete they will begin clearing trees in Bothamly Park.

Surface flooding

·         A lot of debris has fallen on to roads and into drains with the wind and rain over the past few days.  This is causing surface flooding in some areas as rainwater is not being allowed to drain away efficiently via the stormwater system.

·         The Council is monitoring the situation around the city and responding to calls from the public via the Council’s contact centre.

·         We also ask the public to help out by hooking away any debris that they see blocking roadside sumps and gutters to help speed the rainwater on its way.

In the meantime, if anyone wants to report surface flooding, downed trees, or any other problem, please call the Council on its 24 hour contact line 237 5089.

ENDS

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