‘We’re not out of the woods yet’
Wind gusts nearing 100kph cut power to more than 1000 homes across South Canterbury yesterday with more wind and rain forecast to come.
Timaru recorded a wind gust of 91kph, still short of the forecasted 120kph, around midday yesterday but that was topped by Mt Cook Airport which recorded a gust of 130kph at 1pm, its highest this year.
Mt Cook Airport has also had 128.8mm of rain from 7pm on Sunday.
MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris said the northwesterly winds will ease this morning before a southerly change arrives bringing moderate rain to coastal areas and heavy rain to the high country.
He said persistent rain can be expected in coastal Canterbury early today.
Environment Canterbury’s duty flood controller Chris Fauth said potential flooding can be expected from the Rangitata and Ahuriri rivers later today.
‘‘We expect the river levels to rise overnight and into [today].’’
Fauth said the surface flooding from certain catchments in the Mackenzie District was mostly absorbed by the Waitaki lakes and they had seen a rise in the Ahuriri River level yesterday.
He added that they have also seen rising river levels in the
Rangitata and the Orari rivers.
An Alpine Energy spokesperson confirmed two large outages yesterday morning were because of the severe weather.
In the Geraldine area 411 homes were affected while 365 homes were affected in Waimate. In the Seadown area, just north of Timaru, 271 homes were affected.
‘‘We are waiting for the area to be safe to complete the repairs,’’ the spokesperson said.
‘‘The extreme weather event is expected to continue ... Alpine Energy is prepared with crews on standby for any eventuality.’’
While power had been restored to a number of places, Alpine Energy was unable to provide an update late yesterday.
The strong northwesterlies led to temperatures in Timaru reaching 17 degrees in early afternoon.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand
crews attended four incidents on Monday morning in Timaru.
Timaru senior station officer Martyn Bennett said the roofing material attached to a fence in a building site on Sarah St came off and landed in the driveway of a neighbouring business. There was no damage to the business’ building.
The strong wind damaged a chimney in Grey Rd, a roof lifted off a building on North St and an errant trampoline was cleared from Evans St.
The Waimate District Council, on their social media page, said it was aware of several reports of wind damage and fallen trees
‘‘The extreme weather event is expected to continue . . . Alpine Energy is prepared with crews on standby for any eventuality.’’ Alpine spokesperson
throughout the district and is asking residents to avoid non-essential travel, drive to the conditions, monitor your own situation, tie down any trampolines or large objects and take precautions to minimise hazards.
‘‘In South Canterbury, the Rangitata, Ahuriri, and all other rivers and streams originating from the Main Divide are expected to be carrying high flows from Monday to Wednesday,’’ the council said.
‘‘Some foothill rivers including the Orari, Opihi, Opuha, Twizel, and Omarama Stream can also expect high flows. At this time, flows are expected to be contained in the upper Waitaki hydro lake system, and spill flows into the lower Waitaki River are not currently forecast.
‘‘We encourage those with property adjacent to rivers that may be affected to closely monitor their own situation, and move stock away from flood prone areas.’’
The Waimate council said that due to fallen trees and branches in the area, Lower Hook Rd (between Wilsons and Youngs roads) and Adamsons Rd (between Lower Hook Rd and the ford) were closed until further notice.
The council said contractors have been advised and will clear the roads when it is safe to do so.
‘‘Until then, please avoid these areas during this time,’’ the council said.
The Timaru District Council said the region is experiencing strong winds, and are expecting heavy rainfall inland east of the Southern Alps, leading to increasing river flows affecting lowlying areas.
‘‘Wind conditions have led to some power outages and fallen trees. Extreme care is advised if travelling in rural areas,’’ the council said.
‘‘Predicted rain may spread further east to foothill or coastal areas. We encourage all residents in low-lying areas, particularly those next to rivers, to plan for what they will do if the situation deteriorates.
‘‘Have a plan to look after animals, protect property and be prepared if flooding should occur,’’ the Timaru council said.
The Mackenzie District Council reported that Mackenzie and Hakataramea passes were closed along with Glen Lyon Rd, Jack Lovelock
Track, Kerrs, Opuha Dam, Seddons, and Stanton roads at their fords or bridges.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency said wind warnings are in place for State Highway 79 (Geraldine to Fairlie), SH80 (Pukaki to Mt Cook), SH8 (Fairlie to Omarama) and SH1 (Rakaia to Timaru).
On Sunday evening, Mount Dobson Ski Area made the decision to close yesterday because of the forecast with an update expected this morning.
MetService meteorologist Tui McInnes said today is expected to be the wettest day and rain is expected tomorrow due to southerlies forecast.
‘‘We’re not out of the woods yet,’’ McInnes said as Thursday into Friday is expected to be cloudy and damp with the potential for the odd shower.
The heavy rain warning for the high country is in place until 1pm today with thunderstorms possible.
The MetService expects 300-450mm of rain about the Main Divide with peak rates of up to 25mm per hour and 200-300mm within 20-30km east of the divide, especially south of the Rakaia.