Preparations are proceeding as planned for the precautionary evacuation of Spring Creek by 9am this morning.

An Orange Heavy Rain Warning issued by MetService New Zealand is still in place for Marlborough, through to 6pm this evening Friday 27 June.

The region has already received significant rainfall especially about the ranges with 245mm received at Rai Falls and many other areas around the district receiving more than 100mm. The rain intensity has however been less than expected and the weather system is still moving through. The Heavy Rain Warning was updated last night to include the Marlborough Sounds as well as the rest of Marlborough, north of Seddon.

There remains uncertainty about the duration of this event, Marlborough Emergency Management Controller Richard MacNamara said.

“We need to get on the ground this morning to verify exactly what is happening.

“The modelling shows some lessening of impact but with the stop bank in Spring Creek being compromised we will be proceeding with plans for people in the affected streets to be evacuated by 9am. It’s not only the level of flood waters we are considering but the unseen damage within that stop bank. We have to make proactive decisions – it’s about caring for our community and preventing possible harm,” Mr MacNamara said.

Marlborough Emergency Management began door knocking at affected properties in Spring Creek last night and will continue this morning. The affected streets are Dodson, Hathaway, and March streets, as well as the section of Ferry Road from the intersection with March Street towards the river as well as residential properties on Gouland Road north of March Street.

A Civil Defence Centre providing community support and information is opening at Stadium 2000 in Blenheim from 9am. Tuamātene Marae at 2518 State Highway 1, Grovetown opened at 7am where hot drinks and kai are available.

Affected residents are advised to take their pets with them ideally in carry cages and or on leads to a safe place.

Following last night’s rain there is considerable surface flooding throughout the region - including State Highway 6 at Havelock, State Highway 63 in the Wairau Valley, and State Highway 1 near Koromiko. Road users are advised to avoid travel if possible but they need to drive do so with caution and to the conditions.

SH63 is closed from Anglesea Street through to St Arnaud due to multiple areas of flooding. There is flooding on SH1 near Para Road. There has been a truck crash on SH1 near Ward, the road is down to one lane. There are trees down on Queen Charlotte Drive between Ngakuta and Governors Bay and the road is down to one lane.

Marlborough Roads crew are out across the network inspecting flood areas this morning. Drivers are advised to prepare for road hazards and the possibility of road closures.

With stormwater systems running at capacity, Council has also advised people not to go near any flood waters in the region due to risk of contamination. People should also stay off stop banks in the area, particularly in vehicles, as this can compromise their effectiveness.

Further updates will be provided, primarily through Marlborough District Council’s Facebook page and the Antenno alerting app.

Sign up to Antenno here: https://www.marlborough.govt.nz/services/apps/antenno

Keep an eye on MetService for watch and warning updates at www.metservice.com/warnings/home

NZ Transport Agency are urging drivers to plan for bad weather driving conditions on the region’s roads including considerable surface flooding around the region. Read the latest update at: www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic-bulletins/wet-and-windy-weather-on-the-way-for-top-of-the-south-drivers

Remember, it is always important to be prepared. For further information on emergency preparedness go to: https://getready.govt.nz/emergency/floods

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