Weather: South Island Floods – Campers ordered to move, events canceled

Campers in central Otago are advised to move to higher ground, as continued heavy rains in parts of the south cause river levels to rise.

Heavy and persistent rains have caused the cancellation or postponement of large-scale events scheduled for today and a warning for road users to be careful.

The Otago Central District Council reported at 9.30am that there were isolated surface flood areas throughout the district and that river levels were beginning to rise.

“If you are camping, follow the advice and relocate to higher ground.”

A spokeswoman said they expected conditions across the district to worsen today and river levels are swelling.

Danseys Pass Rd is closed from the Kyeburn River Rd intersection to the top, and Scotts Lane is closed at the bridge.

Crews will work in Maniototo clearing debris from bridges and culverts to reduce flooding.

Motorists across the South are advised to drive under conditions after several crashes on the wet roads of inland Otago yesterday.

A heavy rain warning for Dunedin applies until 11pm today.

MetService’s rain warning also applies to North Otago and Clutha north of Balclutha until 11pm

A heavy rain watch also applies to Central Otago, Southern Lakes, and Southland, north of Gore, through 9 p.m. today, as well as Canterbury High Country, south of Fairlie. Electrical storms were also possible today.

Heavy rains can cause streams and rivers to grow rapidly. Flooding and slipping on the surface are also possible, and driving conditions can be dangerous.

TRIATHLON, FOOD AND RACING FESTIVAL

In Cromwell, organizers of the Gate Lake Dunstan Triathlon and Duathlon postponed the event for the sake of safety and said a new date would be set as soon as possible.

The Cromwell Food and Wine Festival, scheduled to take place at the town’s heritage grounds starting at 3pm, has been canceled.

The Omakau Trots also became victims of the weather. The Central Otago Trotting Club canceled today’s race meeting, which is expected to draw thousands of bettors, due to what it described as “major surface flooding” throughout the parking lot and the racetrack.

Club president Graham Sinnamon had to make a difficult decision after monitoring the track overnight. “Head against heart: it was a horrible decision.”

Glenorchy’s races have been postponed until tomorrow due to rain.

However, the Wanaka rodeo will go ahead as planned.

HEAVEST RAIN FORECAST

MetService weather forecaster Aidan Pyselman urges motorists to drive up to conditions in Otago-Southland, as heavy rains are expected to continue today and could, in some locations, reach as high as 140mm by 11pm from Friday beginning of yesterday. Rain is also expected tomorrow.

Dunedin city recorded 28mm of rain yesterday at 6pm, and today “wouldn’t be a great day” in terms of rain. “Even more rain” is forecast for tomorrow.

Today another 60mm to 100mm of rain is expected; the largest amounts probably on the hills and ranges of North Otago and Dunedin.

Monday will be drier and warmer, with 19 ° C forecast for Dunedin, down from 113 ° C at 3pm yesterday.

The weather will improve through Wednesday, Pyselman said.

DUNEDIN’S COUNCIL KEEPING EYE ON THE GRIDS

A Dunedin City Council spokeswoman said the DCC was working hard to keep the drain grates unlocked and was asking residents to help clear the blocking grates of debris.

Sandy Graham, DCC executive director, said the city’s mud tanks were running efficiently, but some grates were being blocked by loose debris, especially cabbage leaves.

Sandbag stations had not been established at this stage, but DCC was on duty overnight, would be managing the situation and keeping an eye on the weather forecast, Graham said.

The situation would be reassessed this morning, including the updated weather forecast, and residents would be informed via media and social media if sandbag stations would be established today, he said.