Update on rivers and rainfall

A wet weekend across much of Otago was this morning upgraded to a MetService severe weather warning. With more rain predicted this afternoon and into the evening, Otago Regional Council flood management staff have been keeping a close watch on river levels, with staff in the field checking that flood and drainage infrastructure is performing as expected.

Updates by area:

Dunedin area:
The predicted flows in the Water of Leith, Lindsay Creek and Silver Stream are not high and will be well contained in the river channel. No large flooding from the Waikouaiti River is expected. Surface ponding is likely, but the rainfall totals and lower intensities are not expected to cause major problems in low lying areas such as South Dunedin.

Taieri River catchment:
Mainly rural areas are affected; however no extensive flooding is expected. The Taieri River is expected to continue to rise during the day. Flows at Outram will likely peak early tomorrowmorning. It is not expected the flow at Outram to reach significant high flows.

North Otago:
Observed flows in the Kakanui River are not high currently but localised flooding may occur at Kakanui Valley Road, requiring caution when driving.

South Otago (Pomahaka, Tokomairaro and lower Clutha catchments):
No further significant rainfall is expected for this area, and no significant flooding is expected. However, the Pomahaka River at Leithen Glen reached first alarm level during the night; it is currently at 82m3/s and slowly rising again after the initial peak of 120m3/s. Pomahaka at Burkes Ford is 148m3/s and is likely at peak level now. The Tokomairaro River catchment has not received large amounts of rain and the river is not expected to rise significantly (it is currently at 9m3/s and holding steady).

Inland areas:
Further rain inland is not expected to cause rivers to reach significant high flows. The Manuherikia at Ophir is rising (currently at 46m3/s) and will continue to rise but it is not likely to reach first alarm level (no extensive flooding expected).

Staff are continuing to monitor the situation and will provide further updates if necessary.

Stay up-to-date through:
Flow and rainfall information on the ORC website: www.orc.govt.nz/managing-our-environment/water/water-monitoring-and-alerts
Facebook: www.facebook.com/OtagoRegionalCouncil
Twitter: @ORCfloodinfo
MetService www.metservice.com

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