Buller Emergency Management have announced at 11pm Thursday that there is significant surface flooding at Deadmans Creek on Fairdown Straight, Birchfield Straight near Cains Road, and Kerrs Crossing before Granity.
There is 30cm flood water actively flowing over the road at these places.
“DO NOT DRIVE OR WALK THROUGH FLOOD WATER. The water may have washed away parts of the road and may contain debris. STAY AWAY from flooded areas. Call 111 if you are in danger.”
 |
| State of Emergency Declared for Buller Mayor Jamie Clsine 2nd Feb. |
WEATHER
The heavy Rain Warning - Red is forecast by MetService until 11pm Friday. The area Westland from about Otira northwards, including the Grey River Catchment.
MetService forecast is for periods of rain are expected to continue through to Friday night, with rain becoming heavy again from early Friday morning.
Between 3am and midnight Friday, expect another 150 to 250mm of rain to accumulate near the ranges, and 80 to 120mm near the coast. Peak intensities of 20 to 30mm about the ranges, especially late Friday morning and early afternoon.
 |
| South Island Red Heavy Rain Warning Zone MetService |
This rain is expected to cause dangerous river conditions and significant flooding. Slips and floodwaters are likely to disrupt travel, making some roads impassable and possibly isolating communities.
This forecast is to be updated at 9am Friday 4th Feb. The rest of the West Coast has gone into Heavy Rain Warning Orange with heavy rain which may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.
Westport, Reefton and Greymouth are the main centres in the Red heavy rain warning at the moment but there is a significant amount of rain for the whole West Coast.
BULLER EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Buller Emergency Management has reported that a slip has closed the road north of Hector. State Highway 67 is closed past Hector at the Old Slaughterhouse until further notice.
 |
| State Highway 67 Closed by Slip |
The slip is blocking the entire road and water is actively running through the slip debris. Council's roading contractors are on site assessing the situation. The road will be closed through the night and until further notice tomorrow.
WEST COAST EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
The West Coast Emergency Management have released a statement that the red warnings remain in place for parts of Westland and Buller as the second phase of this weather event approaches.
For Buller until 1am Saturday, extended periods of heavy rain will continue. Expect 250 to 350mm of rain to accumulate about the ranges on top of what has already fallen, and 120 to 220mm near the coast. Peak rates of 20 to 30mm/h about the ranges are anticipated.
For Westland to Midnight Friday expect another 150 to 250mm of rain to accumulate near the ranges about and north of Fox Glacier, and 80 to 120mm near the coast. Peak intensities of 20 to 30mm about the ranges are anticipated.
 |
| Rivers are rising |
Te Aroha Cook, West Coast Group Controller, said “that there was still a significant amount of rain to fall in this event.”
“Not only are we keeping an eye on these areas, but we are also monitoring the Grey River. There is a lot of rain predicted to fall in the headwaters of the Grey and while it started from a low base with recent dry weather, it has risen 2 and a half metres already.”
The Buller Emergency Operations Centre continues to encourage self-evacuation if people can easily do so to friends and family outside of Westport.
“The message is simple, if you are concerned for your safety please self-evacuate. Police are running 24/7 patrols of properties which have, or will be, evacuated to provide extra assurance for those considering this option.”
“If not, please make sure your grab bags are ready, connect with friends and family, assist neighbours to get ready, and make sure your car is ready to go.”
Civil Defence and partner agencies will continue to monitor the event and the impact on communities.
The Westland Emergency Operations Centre will stand down later this evening but be back on deck from 7.00am Friday morning. The Emergency Coordination Centre at the Recreation Centre in Greymouth, and Emergency Operations Centre in Buller, will remain activated overnight.
You can keep up to date with the latest information by following the West Coast Emergency Management Facebook page, check state highway conditions at https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/southisland and weather conditions at https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home
For more information on how you can be prepared refer to https://getready.govt.nz/
WATER STORAGE NOTICE FOR WAIMANGAROA
Due to scouring at a culvert on Conn’s Creek Road there is a risk of a washout which could damage the water infrastructure disrupting the water supply to Waimangaroa. Buller District Council advises residents of Waimangaroa to have 24 – 48 hours of water storage available.
Repairs could take a day to fix the water supply to the township.
No comments:
Post a Comment