Media Release
3/06/2013

Mataura River Remains High, Some Flooding Expected

The Mataura River remains high this morning (Monday) with some flooding expected as it moves down through the catchment.

The river peaked at Fairlight in northern Southland early yesterday evening (Sunday) at a level consistent with a one in 10 year flood event. However, the levels while still high, are now below that status.

The Mataura River at Cattle Flat peaked early this morning. Based on this information, Environment Southland’s duty flood warning officer Stacey Stuart said the river was expected to peak at Pyramid near Riversdale at approximately 2.5m at 1pm today (Monday); and at Gore at approximately 3.2m at about 8pm this evening (Monday).

Mrs Stuart said there was likely to be some flooding that resulted in road closures. She said while the Mataura River had the highest levels, most rivers in Southland were higher than normal and people needed to be vigilant, especially during the next couple of days.

Environment Southland’s flood warning broadcast was activated early yesterday morning (Sunday). People can access up-to-date and detailed information about the river levels on the Environment Southland website: www.es.govt.nz or by calling the Environmental Data Information phone line: 03 211 5010.

ENDS

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