Council coordinating efforts ahead of predicted adverse weather

Christchurch City Council is coordinating staff and contractors in flood-prone areas across the city ahead of the forecast wet weather.

The latest weather forecasting is predicting rainfall of 30-40 millimetres for the next 24 hour period of rain over the city, with heaviest falls tonight and the early hours of tomorrow morning. Rainfall totals over Banks Peninsula are expected to be in the 40-60 millimetre range. At this stage, floor levels are not expected to be flooded.

Acting General Manager for the Christchurch City Council Infrastructure, Terry Howes says, "As we have learned from previous weather forecasts, predicted rainfall levels may vary. With this in mind, Council contractors are working across the city clearing the storm water drains and sumps in the most vulnerable areas to ensure quicker reduction of any surface flooding."

The Council's Land Drainage and Roading teams have a coordinated traffic management plan in place to close roads in these affected areas of the city and Banks Peninsula including Little River, if required.

The Council will be monitoring the situation throughout the adverse weather period and has sand-bags ready to be deployed to prioritised high-risk areas of the city and Banks Peninsula including Little River, where they will be most effective.

In instances of surface flooding, drivers are asked to be considerate of properties adjacent to any surface flooding. The Council advises drivers to slow down when driving through flooded areas, as the wake your vehicle creates can send waves into neighbouring homes and businesses.

It is possible flood-waters on roads and parks may be contaminated, so the Council says to avoid the water where possible or make sure you wash your hands and remove and wash any clothing that gets wet.

For any further assistance, please contact the Council's Customer Call Centre on (03) 941 8999 or 0800 800 169.

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