The evacuation order for affected streets in Spring Creek township will remain in place overnight.

With some thunderstorms and heavy rain still forecast for this afternoon, Marlborough Emergency Management has made the decision not to allow residents to return for now.

Incident Controller Richard MacNamara said the Wairau River was expected to peak at just over 4000 cumecs by 5pm this afternoon which is the evacuation trigger for affected streets in Spring Creek. “This is what the modelling had suggested and what we have based our decision making on and it has proven to be the case. This situation is still very dynamic and we need to follow the evacuation protocol set for the safety of our community,” he said.

The Orange Heavy Rain Warning issued by MetService New Zealand is still in place for Marlborough, through to 3pm today Friday 27 June.

Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor and Minister for Emergency Management and Response Mark Mitchell visited Spring Creek township this morning to see firsthand the effects of heavy rain which has been falling since last night.

Mayor Taylor said the continuing rain and the presence of flood waters across the province showed the importance of “being prepared”.

“We have planned for this scenario and we have held community meetings where we have shared our planning with Spring Creek residents.

“Marlborough Emergency Management set wheels in motion early to evacuate residents in the community of Spring Creek due to the concern about the compromised stopbank. We really appreciate the cooperation of all those concerned. We have taken the necessary decisions to keep our community safe. Minister Mitchell reinforced to me the value of this decision making,” Mayor Taylor said.

The region has already received significant rainfall especially about the ranges with 265mm received at Rai Falls and many other areas around the district receiving more than 100mm. Blenheim has had 75mm. MetService New Zealand has forecast a further 20-50mm of rain to come in some parts of the region today.

Marlborough Roads recommends not to travel unless absolutely necessary. If travel is required, please drive with extreme caution and to the road conditions.

• SH6 between Havelock and Hira and SH63 from Anglesea Street to St Arnaud remain closed.
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  Surface flooding remains on SH1 across the network, driving with extreme caution is advised.
• SH6/Nelson Street is closed between Hutcheson Street and Curry Street due to flooding.
• In the Seddon area Marama Road, Camerons Road, Reserve Road and Foster Street are closed. Blind River Loop, Grassmere Road and Caseys Road have surface flooding.
• Old Renwick Road from Jacksons Road to Burnside Avenue, Eltham Road from Dillion Street to Carr Street, Thomsons Ford Road, Top Valley Road and Brookby Road are all closed.
• SH6 between Lamberts and Mahers Road has severe flooding, travel with caution.

With stormwater systems still running at capacity, Council has also advised people not to go near any flood waters in the region due to risk of contamination and to boil water if they are concerned.Some Blenheim residents may find their toilets are slow to flush. For public health information on what to do during a flood, visit https://info.health.nz/keeping-healthy/protecting-health-natural-disaster/floods-and-health

The Rai Valley and Havelock Transfer stations are closed and the Seddon Transfer Station will not be open on Sunday 29 June because of the current weather event. Please keep checking the Council website for updates.

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

Go to Council’s Floodwatch here - http://hydro.marlborough.govt.nz/floodwatch

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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