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Cyclone Gita Update #2
20/02/2017 - 1510
Cyclone Gita Update #2
Timaru District Council Emergency Operations Centre is continuing to monitor the situation arising Cyclone Gita.
The worst effects of the cyclone are likely to be felt from 4pm and overnight with significant rainfall and high winds forecast.
EOC Controller, Tracy Tierney, said that people should try to avoid any unnecessary travel tonight as there will be significant surface water and ponding at junctions, and debris on the road could make travel dangerous.
“Particular care should be taken on rural roads, and fords should be avoided as they will be running faster and higher than usual,” she said
Council has activated its emergency road map, which will update with any local road closures as they happen, it’s available at www.timaru.govt.nz/roadstatusmap, highways information can be obtained from journeys.nzta.govt.nz
No major roads are closed, however fords are closed in the following places: Gaulter Road, Casey Road, Goodwin Road and Blandswood Road.
River intakes have been closed on the Te Moana and Pareora water schemes to protect the system from dirty water caused by increased river flows. All customers on these schemes will have at least two days storage and should not experience a shortage.
River levels are currently within normal levels and Environment Canterbury are not currently forecasting that any stop banks will be breached, but there will be surface flooding in rural areas. Farmers should ensure stock is moved to higher ground and they should monitor their river frontages.
Saltwater Creek has been opened to the sea and the Rangitata River will be opened tomorrow morning once there is enough flow for it to remain open.
If you have experienced flooding before, or you are in a flood-prone, low lying area please monitor your situation closely, as it can change quickly. If in doubt you should self-evacuate to friends or family.
Timaru EOC will remain open through the night. Council customer services is available 24/7 if you have any issues you wish to report.
ends
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