DCC prepares as heavy rain forecast

CIVIL Defence staff are keeping a close eye on rainfall levels and Dunedin City Council contractors are on standby from today as a complex low pressure system passes, bringing large amounts of rain to the area.

A MetService spokesman said rain in coastal areas of Otago and Southland (from Moeraki Point to Slope Point) was expected to be heavy at times from this afternoon until 8am tomorrow, and the amount might approach the warning level of 40mm in 12 hours during this time.

Taking into account the lighttomoderate rain that has already fallen since yesterday afternoon, the rainfall over the period might come close to 100mm.

Civil Defence Dunedin city emergency management team leader Glenn Mitchell said the forecast was on his radar.

‘‘We’re keeping an eye on it, but there is not major concern at this stage.

‘‘The forecast for Dunedin City is within tolerable allowances, but the DCC has been doing preemptive maintenance work like clearing drains and putting contractors on standby, just in case.

‘‘Obviously, the next 48 hours, it remains to be seen how [the weather] unfolds.’’

The MetService has also issued a string of weather watches and warnings for northern Fiordland, Westland and the Otago and Canterbury headwaters, where the most rain is expected to fall.

‘‘A further 200mm250mm of rain is possible about the Westland ranges on top of what has already fallen.

‘‘This forecast amount of rain is slightly less than first expected but will still be significant, even for this area, which typically can see large amounts of rain, and is likely to cause disruptions.’’

MetService advised residents to keep up to date with the latest forecasts.

❛ We’re keeping an eye on it, but there is not major concern at

this stage