Environment
Southland residents have been advised to check for flood warnings as rivers continue to rise after heavy rainfall yesterday.
More than 80 millimetres of rain was recorded in some areas within 24 hours as wet and windy conditions damaged roads and caused power outages.
Southland Regional Council has issued several alerts for the Mataura, Oreti and Makarewa rivers, Waimea Stream and Winton Dam.
Council flood warning officer Grace Smith said the rain has stopped, but the rivers were still yet to peak at their downstream sites.
There have been reports of the Makarewa River breaking its banks and causing surface flooding, which could worsen as more water flowed downstream, Ms Smith said.
“This event has been quite interesting because it was sort of tied into some thunderstorm activity. We’ve had some really significant showers in certain area.”
The council’s website has up-to-date warnings on the flooding status of rivers, streams and dams.
The Matuara River has rose more than 3m above normal and is increasing by up to 60mm an hour in places.
The council’s website has up-to-date warnings on the flooding status of rivers, streams and dams.
The Pomahaka River Bridge between Tapanui and Gore remains closed with a detour in place due to flooding.
State Highway 1 between Balclutha and Gore has a 70km/h speed restriction after heavy rainfall last month caused part of the road shoulder to drop out which was exacerbated by yesterday’s flooding.
Conditions have eased on State Highway 96 between Hedgehope and Springhills, and Mossburn Five Rivers Road.
But the Transport Authority advises motorists take extra care.
Southern roads are still affected by flooding and drivers are advised to take extra care.
All our contractors are out in the affected areas and will be prioritising based on risk and impact
Counsell Road is closed From Helena Road to Mill Road North.
At this stage we are waiting for updates on the following roads so cannot confirm whether these roads have reopened or not.
Heale Ridge Road (off Stirling Road) is closed due to a slip. Otapiri Gorge Road remains closed from Shand Road through to Mathews Road.
Other closed roads:
- Hall Road
- McKenzie Road
- Anderson Road
- Henderson Road
- Tanner Road
- Lora River Road
- Heale Ridge Road
- South Hillend Dipton Road
- Ellis Road
In the Northern Southland area, the following roads are still open but affected by flooding:
- Kent Road
- Josephville St Patricks Road
- Dryridge Road
- Chartley Park Road
- Cowie Road
- Waimea Valley Road
- Nine Mile Road
- Crooked Road
- Blue Road
- Orr Road
- Pahiwi Balfour Road
- Dipton Castle Rock Road
- Felton Road
- Roy Road
- Castlerock Road
Remember to check the NZTA website for state highway conditions and other council websites for roads in their areas