An active front over the south of the South Island is moving north Thursday night and Friday. The front is preceded by moist, gale to severe gale northwesterlies, and followed by a change to cold southerlies. Related : A State of Emergency Has Been Declared for the Gore District
Warnings and Watches are in place for much of the South Island for heavy rain, heavy snow, and strong winds, adding to the challenges faced by Invercargill and Southland residents dealing with an extreme weather event that has caused widespread flooding and raised concerns throughout the region.
“Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible, and driving conditions may be hazardous,” cautioned authorities. The affected area includes Southland and Clutha, encompassing areas about and north of a line from Mossburn to Balclutha. The forecast for the next four hours from 8 pm to midnight on Thursday, September 21st, indicates an additional 15 to 25 mm of rain, with peak rates of 3 to 6 mm per hour.
In this challenging context, residents of Invercargill and Southland have been urged to exercise extreme caution and prioritize their safety. Emergency Management Southland has taken charge of assessing rainfall and flood risks in various areas.
Erin Moogan, Group Manager Infrastructure, Invercargill City Council, emphasized the importance of vigilance. “There are a few hazards out there at the moment due to the heavy rainfall, and I encourage everyone to exercise caution when out and about in the city, Bluff, or traveling in the region.”
She further warned of pockets of surface flooding across city streets and Bluff, emphasizing the potential for contamination in some areas. “No one should enter floodwaters for any reason. It can be incredibly dangerous and unpredictable. We also ask that everyone drive to the conditions, follow traffic signs, and use common sense while out on the roads,” Moogan cautioned.
The weather’s impact was evident as the road at the Stead St pump station developed severe potholes due to the heavy rain, causing water to flow across it. Motorists traveling on this route were advised to expect delays and exercise patience.
Floodwater was also rapidly flowing in the Waihōpai River and Otepuni Creek, posing risks to those in the vicinity.
Emergency Management Southland assured residents that efforts were underway to safeguard the community and minimize damage. Response crews were actively addressing calls and remained on standby in anticipation of further impacts.
Residents in the Southland district were advised to stay alert as waterways throughout the region continued to rise, with particular concerns in Western Southland, including the Waiau and Aparima rivers and streams.
Surface flooding was widespread, prompting motorists to stay home if possible. Those who needed to travel were urged to do so with extreme caution, as many roads throughout the district had patches of flooding, not all of which were signposted.
In urban areas, overflowing stormwater systems had been contaminated with wastewater, particularly in Winton, Lumsden, and Nightcaps, where ponding was observed on roads and streets. Authorities suspected the problem might extend further, given the inundation of stormwater drains from heavy rainfall.
Residents were strongly advised to avoid ponding and surface flooding in townships, with particular emphasis on keeping children and animals away from flooded areas in built-up regions.
For reporting issues like water blowing out of manholes, authorities established a dedicated hotline at 0800 732 732.
The Southland District Council website and Facebook page were designated as sources for further updates, while river updates were available on the Environment Southland website.