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MetService warns of thunderstorms in many parts of the country and the risk of “large and damaging hail and possibly a small tornado” in the eastern parts of the North Island.
Photo: 123rf
Many roads are closed today due to flooding in Otago and Southland, where some campers remain stranded.
MetService has issued a severe storm watch for most of the North Island, from Northland to Wairarapa, and for several areas in the South Island, including northern and central Otago, Dunedin, Clutha and Southland.
Severe Storm Watch issued https://t.co/6NibdDWdIh pic.twitter.com/bCK13J5gWL
– Severe Weather Information from MetService (@MetServiceWARN) January 3, 2021
The meteorological authority said in a statement that there is a risk of thunderstorms becoming severe, resulting in surface and / or flash flooding.
He said there was a “moderate risk of damaging hail and possibly a small tornado” in the eastern parts of Taupō, Taihape, Hawke’s Bay and the Tararua district.
There was also a risk of large hail in eastern Otago, and possibly hail greater than 20mm in diameter in southern Canterbury.
Stranded campers
About 200 festival goers are stranded in a camp in Otago with the main road flooded.
It’s the last day of the five-day Whare Flat Folk festival, but people may have to stay at Waiora Scout Camp for another night.
Festival Promotions Manager Annabel Roy said there is plenty of food and everyone is safe and entertained.
Floods in Middlemarch Saturday night.
Photo: Supplied / Robin Thomas
Southland District Mayor Gary Tong said that although the region had been spared significant damage, Waikaia residents were caring for several campers who had to be evacuated.
“They certainly can’t get out of Waikaia yet, but my understanding is that the river is receding quite fast so hopefully people can go back to their normal lives at the end of the day, as long as the rain stays away.”
A helicopter would fly over the flood-affected area today, searching for the stranded campers left in the Waikaia Valley.
This afternoon another severe storm warning was issued for the area.
Severe Storm Warning Issued for Otago Radar Area https://t.co/JjPCB46rZZ pic.twitter.com/K0umO6hDQV
– Severe Weather Information from MetService (@MetServiceWARN) January 3, 2021
The Waitaki district of Otago was hit especially hard by flooding, with the Otematata River overflowing, after a quick evacuation of campers there. But there had been heavy local downpours across much of the South Island, as well as Northland, the Coromandel Peninsula, eastern Waikato, and Taupō.
Dunedin City Council said tonight that the worst weather seemed to have passed, but council staff would be on standby overnight in case of any problems.
Risk of water system contamination
There were boil water advisories in many places in Otago due to flooding, especially for those using a well water supply, and people should check for updates on water warnings on their local council website before using. tap water.
Starting at noon, a tanker would provide water to residents who wanted to fill containers next to the Strath-Taieri Community Center.
The Dunedin City Council said the sewage system may have been affected by heavy rains, so the floodwaters should be treated as polluted.
RNZ reporter Sarah Robson is in the city of Otago, Middlemarch, and says that many of the city’s roads remain closed, some with knee-deep flood water and others covered in mud and silt.
Middlemarch this morning.
Photo: RNZ / Sarah Robson
Lightning had cut off the power supply to Middlemarch today, but it has since been restored.
Dunedin City Council has installed an emergency generator for the city’s sewer system in the event of further power outages.
Residents can now resume flushing their toilets, but are still advised not to drink water from the holes unless it is treated with a filter.
Many closed roads in Otago, Southland
The Transportation Agency has closed sections of state highways 83, 87 and 90 due to flooding, with several detours in place.
Floods in Middlemarch Saturday night.
Photo: Supplied / Robin Thomas
Many local roads were affected, and in Otago, there were still closures on State Highway 87 between Kyeburn and Outram, and between Otematata and Aviemore due to flooding and a landslide; as well as on State Highway 90 between Waikoikoi and Tapanui.
In the Bay of Plenty, State Highway 2 was also closed between Nukuhou and Kutarere, and between Opotiki and Gisborne, due to flooding and slipping after heavy rains last night.
MetService said 150mm of rain had fallen in parts of Otago in the past 24 hours, and a weather station in the hills recorded more than 200mm between noon on January 1 and midnight last night.
RT: Today’s Storm Outlook has been released and it’s racy! Expect another round of thunder and lightning for much of New Zealand later today, especially note the three areas showing moderate risk of severe thunderstorms. campers beware! https://t.co/BZWb7ZPiRd ^ TA pic.twitter.com/CiIPIB5Pku
– MetService (@MetService) January 2, 2021
Otago Civil Defense Controller Matt Alley said motorists need to be especially careful on the roads today, and should check the road conditions before leaving, as well as the condition of local roads, which were posted on local council websites.
Thunderstorms could occur this afternoon that could bring localized downpours and flash floods, which could be severe from Clutha to North Otago, with Dunedin within the area that could be hardest hit.
Attention campers
The map shows today’s severe storm watch areas with DOC camp locations (DOC data). 12-hour rainfall patterns are also shown.
A total of 65 sites on the North Island and 8 sites on the South Island are in risk areas. https://t.co/GZIq9Jlbrw ^ TA pic.twitter.com/xr2YFZddtZ– MetService (@MetService) January 2, 2021
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