Weather update #8

WEATHER UPDATE #8 – 12.30PM - SAFETY NOTICE

Avoid entering the water for the next 72 hours due to the risk of contamination from wet weather overflows. The heavy rain overnight has meant wet weather overflows have been discharged into the sea and other waterways.

We advise swimmers, surfers and shellfish gatherers, and all other members of the public, avoid entering any waterway for the next 72 hours – including the city’s beaches and Otago Harbour – and not to collect or consume shellfish.  Staff are monitoring water quality at key locations.

All flood waters should be treated as contaminated, as should any objects, such as sandbags, which have come into contact with flood water. Please leave sandbags on the side of the road for collection by our contractors. Wear gloves if you are moving these items.

• Avoid travel unless necessary. Fewer vehicles on the roads means less water disturbance and helps our crews work more quickly to clear debris.
• We are regularly updating road closures on the DCC website, please check information here: https://www.dunedin.govt.nz/road-conditions
• For up-to-date bus information, visit the Orbus website here: https://www.orc.govt.nz/orbus/

Other key information:

• Kerbside waste and recycling collection continues today – but there may be delays.
• Te Puna o Whakaehu (Mosgiel Pool) and Mosgiel Library remain closed today.
• Flood protection barriers were installed in Surrey St, South Dunedin, and pumps and pipes in South Dunedin have managed the rainfall to date.

Update #8

The heavy rain event experienced in Dunedin has meant wet weather overflows have been discharged to the sea – via the Lawyers Head outfall – and other waterways.

Dunedin City Emergency Management Operations Centre (EOC) Incident Controller Chris Henderson says, “As a precautionary approach, we advise swimmers, surfers and shellfish gatherers – and all other members of the public - to avoid entering any waterway for the next 72 hours, including our city’s beaches and Otago Harbour.

“It’s also important not to collect and consume any shellfish during this period.

“Staff will be continuing to monitor water quality at key locations, and we’ll update this advice if elevated levels of contamination are recorded.”

All flood waters should also be treated as contaminated as well, as should any objects – such as sandbags – which have come into contact with flood waters.

“Please leave any sandbags on the side of the road for collection by our contractors, and don’t forget to wear gloves if you’re moving these items.”

Elsewhere, DCC crews and contractors are continuing to clear debris and drains and check for any wider impacts of the heavy rain event, Mr Henderson says.

The welfare centre opened at the Taieri Bowling Club has now closed, as has Te Puna o Whakaehu (Mosgiel Pool) and Mosgiel Library today to help reduce traffic on roadways.

Kerbside waste and recycling collection continues but residents can expect delays due to weather.

A large number of DCC roads remain closed as a result of flooding overnight. You can find the full list here: Current road conditions and unplanned road closures - Dunedin City Council

State Highway closures can be found on the NZTA website here: Highway conditions for Otago | NZTA Journey Planner

Bus schedules are also impacted in some areas. Check the Orbus website: Orbus — Better by bus | brought to you by Otago Regional Council (ORC)

“I want to thank our crews and contractors and emergency services for their incredible efforts throughout this storm event and to Dunedin residents: thank you for your continued support and patience,” Mr Henderson says.

The Dunedin EOC continues to operate and the DCC call centre is open for anyone across the city in need of help, on 03 477 4000.

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