Wednesday, August 17, 2022

ROAD CONDITIONS AROUND TASMAN


 

 Road Conditions - Tasman District


Roading conditions across Tasman District as at 1.30pm Wednesday 17 August:

East Tākaka Road is closed due to flooding - just down the hill from the Glenview Road intersection.

Tākaka-Collingwood Main Road SH60 is now closed at Waitapu Bridge.

Pupu Valley Road Closed.

Golden Hills Road Closed.

Abel Tasman Drive Closed.

Pōhara Valley Road Closed.

One Spec Road Closed.

Collingwood Puponga Road Closed by Whites Bridge.

We have reported slips above Pohutukawa Place Pōhara.

There is also extensive flooding reported along low reaches of Bartlett Creek and Ellis Creek, Abel Tasman Drive, Pōhara.

Wainui Hill is closed just north of Tata Beach due to slips.

Appleby Bridge to Three Brothers Corner, Three Brothers Corner to Ranzau Road and Whakatu Drive has surface flooding.

The D’Arcy Street road closure has been postponed due to the weather.

Pigeon Post News

Update from West Coast Emergency Management


 

West Coast Emergency Management

 17 August 2022

Prepared and waiting


Agencies across the West Coast have spent the last several days preparing for the significant weather event currently affecting the West Coast, and across New Zealand. 


The latest modelling is indicating an easing in event intensity around Westport. 


For the Buller River, the forecast flow range has come down to 4000 – 6000 cumecs. This is a reduction from yesterday’s forecast flow of 5000 – 7200 cumecs. 

 

While this event is still expected to bring significant flows to the Buller River, bank overtopping from the event is not expected, with flows similar to the first February event.  


The peak flows will occur tomorrow, early morning for Te Kuha and mid-morning for Westport. The Orowaiti Overflow will receive flows after 4000 cumecs. The tide is slightly higher than what was experienced during the February event. This may increase river levels in the Snodgrass area. 


Te Aroha Cook, West Coast Group Controller, said that observations will give confirmation of actual flows early tomorrow morning. 


“For Westport, if you experienced flooding in February, or are feeling vulnerable due to proximity to the Orowaiti, you may want to consider self-evacuation. There may also be stormwater ponding, surface flooding and stopbank seepage. Self-evacuation includes making arrangements for pets and lifting valuables.”


Further south, Civil Defence and supporting agencies are still expecting rivers to rise in Westland. Peak rain intensities are expected from late Wednesday afternoon into Thursday.

“We are watching the Hokitika River closely. We know that it is currently high and more rain is expected. Peak flows are anticipated to coincide on a falling tide.”  


Observations on the Wanganui and Waiho Rivers are ongoing through the event. 


“As the freezing level continues to rise we can also expect increasing snow melt which will impact our river flows, particularly as we move south through the region.”

Stock and animals should be moved from low lying rural areas, including Snodgrass. 


“Plan your journeys IF you need to go, but please just stay at home.”


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POLICE CONFIRM - SH6 - ROCKS ROAD NELSON - CLOSED (Nelson Tasman Emergency Management Media Release)

 

SH6 ROCKS RD CLOSED


First signs of weather event emerge following overnight rain across Nelson Tasman


17 August, 2022

Police confirmed at 11.30 this morning 17 August that SH6 Rocks Road is closed following a slip this morning near Britannia Heights Nelson City. The Police advise to take an alternate route.

Main Road Stoke (Saxton to Sailsbury) will likely close soon and Maitai Road will close soon.


MEDIA RELEASE FROM NELSON TASMAN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT



The anticipated heavy rain forecast appears to be coming to fruition across the Nelson Tasman region. Steady rain is setting in across Golden Bay, particularly in the Aorere Valley where between 22 and 29mm has fallen overnight, and more than 240mm in the last 30 hours. 

The Aorere River just reached a level at which we can expect the Ferntown Road, near Collingwood, to be flooded this morning, although the current low tide may delay this slightly. 

Other parts of Nelson Tasman have received low to moderate amounts of rain overnight – with less than 3mm overnight in Murchison and around Nelson City, while up to 18mm has fallen around Riuwaka. 

Due to the likelihood of the Riuwaka River reaching significantly high levels today, peaking at around 3pm, residents in the vicinity of Cooks Corner were notified on Tuesday evening of potential flooding around their properties and to make plans accordingly. 

The Nelson Tasman CDEM Emergency Operations Centre has been set up in monitoring mode this morning and we are expecting to become busier as the anticipated rain and wind descends on the area. 

We would like to reiterate that the weather is expected to get worse in the next 24 hours. Please ensure you take all the necessary precautions to prepare for potential hazards to keep your property, yourself and your loved ones safe. 

Surface flooding, slips and tree falls are likely, so please delay unnecessary travel, particularly in the Golden Bay area and avoid the urge to go sightseeing.  

Takaka sewage pump stations are struggling to cope with volumes and there are overflows at some sites. These overflows contain raw sewage and people must avoid these areas 

Surface flooding and slips have already begun to cause road closures in Golden Bay.  

Collingwood-Puponga Road is closed by Whites Bridge, One Spec Road, Pohara Gully due to flooding. Wainui Hill is closed just north of Tata Beach due to slips. Abel Tasman Drive is open  (up to the Wainui Hill) but has a lot of surface flooding 

A surface flooding warning is also in place for SH60 Upper Takaka and Collingwood. The road remains open but please take extra care and drive to the conditions.  

Picture received from Golden Bay



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Tuesday, August 16, 2022

Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) activated in both Nelson and Tasman



Floods, slips and road closures expected in Nelson and Tasman



The developing weather situation in Nelson and Tasman has prompted the activation of the region’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), to be set up in a monitoring mode, late today Tuesday 16 August.

The Buller Region has been issued a red heavy rain warning and have activated their Emergency Operations Centre earlier in the day. 

The Emergency Operations Centre is fully operational, while a state of emergency has been declared for the whole of the West Coast region. 


This area is expecting periods of heavy rain up to 550 mm of rain to accumulate about the ranges south of Little Wanganui, and up to 280 mm elsewhere. Dangerous river conditions are expected with significant flooding with slips and floodwaters which are likely to disrupt travel, making some roads impassable.

The Tasman and Nelson areas have a heavy rain warning orange for west of Motueka and there is the same for Richmond and Bryant ranges, Rai Valley, Nelson Region and the Marlborough Sounds.


There is a heavy rain watch yellow for the Tasman District east of Motueka excluding Richmond and Bryant ranges, Rai Valley, Nelson Region and the Marlborough Sounds and the same for Marlborough northwest of the Inland Kaikoura Range and south of the Richmond Range.


There is quite a complex area of warnings and watches. If in any doubt check with MetService and see their maps of areas with warnings and watches.


Finally there is a strong wind watch yellow from 8am Wed, 17 Aug to 6am Thu, 18 Aug. The areas effected are Nelson, Tasman and Buller with Northeast winds which may approach severe gale at times.


Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly with surface flooding and slips also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous. 


In Tasman there is an expectation that rain in large amounts will accumulate about the ranges in the west. Some models indicate 650 to 750 mm about the ranges during a period from 9am Tue - 6pm Thu, 18 August. To a lesser extent rainfall will accumulate in the rangers to the east and in Nelson itself.


Tasman District Council and Nelson City Council have commented on the upcoming storm

Tasman District Council and Nelson City Council have commented on Social Media and Antenno about the upcoming storm from today Tuesday


A Northerly flow is drifting down onto Nelson, Tasman and the West Coast



Tasman District Council:
"A significant rain event is expected to hit from the early hours of Tuesday morning through to Thursday evening. 


Current forecasts are for large rainfall totals and for some rivers to reach beyond 5 to 10 year flood levels. With the expected rise in groundwater levels, particularly on the Waimea Plains and in Golden Bay, surface flooding will impact on some roads and stormwater and potentially sewer capacity. 


Landslips are also likely to occur. If there are heavy rainfall bursts of 20-30mm per hour on a regular basis the event may escalate to  major road closures. 


If people are planning to travel over the three days from Tuesday afternoon it may be wise to make contingencies or delay the travel until there is a better picture of what is actually happening. 


Drivers, please think about your actions and don’t drive at speeds that cause waves to wash onto neighboring properties. 


Inspect the gutters and stormwater grates around your property. Sweeping the leaves away could make all the difference to the effectiveness of the stormwater system.


Major utilities, as well as all emergency services, are as prepared as possible to deal with the outcome of the heavy rain including roading teams on standby and major work in rivers being put on hold. 


At present Civil Defence is in a monitoring mode as the full effect of the event may not be felt until Wednesday evening, although now is the time to prepare. 


If you know your property is prone to flooding, please consider keeping your own stock of sandbags on hand.  


Council does not provide sandbags to private properties. However, supplies to make sandbags are readily available at DIY and landscaping suppliers. 


If you are in danger or your property is under immediate threat, please contact emergency services on 111. 


Updates will be provided via Nelson Tasman Civil Defence and Emergency Management either through the Facebook page or online at nelsontasmancivildefence.co.nz as information becomes available.


You may want to consider filling and placing sandbags. For more information about sandbags, check out our website: https://bit.ly/3Pp3Mzy."

TDC


Tasman Rural need to consider rising rivers and moving stock to higher ground.


Nelson City Council has advised: 


"Doing your part to look after your household or business stormwater system ensures our network has the best chance to cope with the expected heavy rain and minimise stormwater overflows and surface flooding.

Severe weather is on its way for the Nelson region. Flooding is expected. If you live near water or in a low-lying area, you may want to consider obtaining sandbags or creating waterproof barriers.  

Slips and river, tidal and/or surface flooding is possible in areas. 

Please make sure you're prepared:

- Drive to the conditions, or avoid driving, if possible. 

- Secure outdoor furniture. 

-Check drains and gutters are clear of debris

-Consider filling and placing sandbags. Properties located near water or in low-lying areas should prepare for flooding. 

Sandbags take time to fill and place and are best to sort before weather strikes.

Visit our website for more information on sandbags

Council staff are currently preparing for the situation. 


Heavy rainfall this winter has left many of our reserves very wet, and the coming bout of rain will likely cause slips and fallen trees. 

Please take care and postpone any walks or rides until the ground has dried, both for your safety and to keep tracks in as good of a condition as possible. Some tracks may be damaged or inaccessible.

We will provide further updates on the weather as they become available."

NCC

Monday, August 8, 2022

Report from MetSercice - A Cold Week ahead and Jack Frost makes an appearance

Snow falling in Hanmer Springs today. Photo R Therkleson

MetService release period of Monday 08 - Thursday 11 August

 It’s been a snowy weekend for the South Island high country and while the snow is on the way out, MetService is forecasting chilly temperatures to follow - likely the coldest week this year for some.


An Orange Heavy Snow Warning remains in place for inland Canterbury and southern inland Marlborough into this afternoon (Monday), with snow affecting high level roads. Blustery southerlies funnelling through Cook Strait are affecting Wellington and coastal Marlborough, while gusty southeasterlies batter the West Coast. Strong Wind Watches are in place for these areas today, then the winds are forecast to ease.


Rain and cold southerlies make for a wintry day in Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne tomorrow, while the rest of the North Island and east of the South Island have some showery weather in store. 


MetService meteorologist Dan Corrigan adds, “There’s also the risk of another foggy start tomorrow in Auckland, though it’s looking less likely than it has been the past few days”.


“Most of Aotearoa can expect settled weather on Wednesday and Thursday aside from showers affecting the top of the country and a couple along the east coasts, though the real kicker is how cold it’s going to be,” Corrigan remarks.


Most places in the South Island are looking to remain in single digit temperatures until the weekend, and severe frosts are on the cards for inland and southern regions with temperatures plummeting to -5°C in Southland and inland Otago overnight tonight and tomorrow.


“Temperatures in Wanaka and Queenstown are likely to hang around or below freezing for most of the week ahead aside from some slight warming in the afternoons, which means it may be the coldest week of the year for these places,” says Corrigan. “Alexandra looks unlikely to come in colder than the seven days they experienced earlier this winter around the shortest day on the 22 June.”


The North Island gets a taste of the chills later this week with widespread frosts expected on Thursday and Friday nights, though daytime highs remain mostly above the 10°C mark.


MetService


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