Weather conditions have eased overnight and flood waters are beginning to recede in Dunedin.
Dunedin remains under a state of emergency and residents are still encouraged to stay off the roads except for essential travel and to conserve water.
Last night, MetService downgraded the weather warning to a Heavy Rain watch for North Otago, Dunedin and coastal Clutha until 9:00am as much of the widespread heavy rain has cleared.
“We are still in active response mode while also turning planning for recovery, and helping people who self-evacuated get back to their homes,” said Civil Defence Controller Scott MacLean.
Restoration time for water services for the West Harbour and Otago Peninsula is unknown and residents need to continue conserving water.
“Our team is working hard to restore water to affected residents. We thank those communities for their efforts to conserve water. We ask them to please continue to conserve water for the time being,” he says.
With daybreak, roading contractors will reassess local road conditions and update on the DCC website. Around 30 local roads remain closed. State highway information will be on the NZTA website.
Please be aware slips could continue for days or even weeks. The roading team will continue to monitor the situation.
Updates on road closures:
- SH1 northbound is closed between Hampden and Evansdale. Road users are advised to avoid the area or delay their journey.
- State Highway 1 southbound between Waihola and Milton is now open. But is closed south of Milton south with no detour in place. Road users are advised to avoid to take extra care.
- State Highway 88 from Forsyth Barr Stadium to Port Chalmers is closed.
- State Highway 85 is closed between Kyeburn and Palmerston.
- State Highway 87 is closed between Kyeburn and Hyde.
Overnight, over 20 people sheltered in the welfare centre at Forsyth Barr Stadium plus four cats and one dog.
All Council facilities remain closed today including libraries, pools, Toitū, Lan Yuan (Dunedin Chinese Gardens).
If residents are in need of help, they are encouraged to phone the DCC on 03 477 4000.