Significant flooding expected as big downpour hits West Coast
People on the West Coast are being urged to batten down the hatches as almost a metre of rain is expected to fall in parts of the region, causing significant flooding and slips.
MetService issued a severe red weather warning for Westland, with 600mm to 800mm of rain expected to fall in the ranges between yesterday morning and 8am tomorrow. Some 100mm to 200mm is likely on the coast.
South of Hoikitika was a particular concern, Civil Defence bosses said.
Westland District Council has sandbags available to businesses and residents in the town, which is likely to be worst affected by surface flooding and cars causing bow waves.
Meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said the rainfall amounts were looking “quite similar” to those which caused the Waiho Bridge collapse in 2019.
“Expected impacts include flooding, slips and there is a possibility of roads and bridges being affected, and possibly isolating communities.”
Travellers are warned to be wary of rising river levels, in particular anyone camping beside rivers.
Meteorologist John Law said the heavy rain drenching the ranges would be funnelled through Westland rivers, which might not be able to handle the glut of water.
“We only issue red warnings for the most significant, most intense periods of weather,” he said.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has warned that some parts of state highways could be closed tonight if conditions become too unsafe.
Claire Brown, group manager for the West Coast Civil Defence Emergency Management Group (WCEM), said it was preparing to activate if needed.
“We’re keeping a really close eye on this over the next couple of days.”
A statement issued by WCEM said: “There is a high level of concern about possible impacts of the weather, particularly south of Hokitika.” Westland District Council has 500 sandbags that people can use.
An orange heavy rain warning is in place for the Grey District, with 200mm to 300mm of rain hitting the ranges at peak
rates of 20mm to 25mm an hour.
Fiordland is also under an orange warning, with 250mm to 350mm of rain expected, easing by tonight.