Dunedin April Severe Weather update #2
2.25pm, Wednesday, 12 April 2017

Dunedin City Council’s Emergency Operations Centre remains activated to monitor and plan for issues arising from heavy rain forecast for tonight and tomorrow.

DCC Civil Defence Controller Ruth Stokes says the latest information from MetService is that a significant amount of rain is still forecast for the next 24 hours, however there is much uncertainty about its intensity.

“We are therefore taking a cautious approach and are still encouraging residents in those low-lying areas who feel concerned to make plans now to self-evacuate themselves to stay with friends or family who live on higher ground if required,” says Mrs Stokes.

Three centres are being established for anyone who needs information and will also potentially be used as welfare centres if the need develops. These will be established in South Dunedin, North Dunedin and Mosgiel. Information about specific locations will be made available once confirmed.

Provisions for emergency accommodation are also being made should the need arise.

Roading & stormwater
Teams will be out all day working to clear debris from mud tank grates and gutters to allow water to flow. A couple of minor slips on Portobello Road were cleared this morning. Additional crews will be working throughout the night.

Highcliff Road, from Camp Road to just above Portobello Road, will be closed at 6pm due to safety reasons and remain closed overnight. Access will be available for residents. Due to the weather, we’re encouraging anyone who needs to travel on this section of Highcliff Road to do so before 6pm.

The storm water system is currently working well, screens are clear and all pumps are available.

Rubbish collection
For the CBD, South Dunedin and Mosgiel: There will be no cardboard collection or rubbish/recycling collection tonight and tomorrow morning.

For other areas scheduled for collection tomorrow morning: Please do not leave bins and bags out overnight tonight. We will assess the situation in the morning, but at this stage we are planning to collect rubbish and recycling as normal. If your street is flooded in the morning, please do not put your bins and bags out.

Sportgrounds/Freedom camping sites closed
All DCC sportsgrounds are currently closed. Due to the weather all freedom camping area sites are closed until further notice. Campers are advised to find alternative an accommodation site tonight.

General preparedness
We are advising people to be prepared. Things you can do include:

• Check spoutings and drainage channels for blockages and clear them if necessary
• If your basement is prone to flooding lift items that could be damaged by water off the floor. Be sure garden sprays and other chemicals won’t be affected
• Check grates near your house for blockages and keep them clear of leaves and other debris to avoid water building up and affecting your property.

For the public to keep up to date with what is happening and for advice about what to do if the rain gets worse, please see the DCC website, DCC social media, listen to the radio and use other media.
Please refer family, friends and neighbours to these communication channels.

www.dunedin.govt.nz
www.facebook.com/DunedinCityCouncil
https://twitter.com/DnCityCouncil

ENDS

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