Blenheim residents are warned to expect surface flooding on properties with tomorrow’s predicted rainfall and urged to prepare.

Drivers are also warned to expect surface flooding on roads around the province.

The heavy rainfall last week generated record high groundwater levels across the eastern Wairau Plain, Rarangi, Riverlands, Southern Valleys, Northbank and Wairau Valley.

While slowly receding, water levels remain higher than usual for this time of year and soils are saturated. Further rain tomorrow will tend to runoff rather than infiltrate through the soil and aquifer, resulting in more surface flooding.

Affected areas are likely to include Rarangi, where water is still pooling due to saturated soils and high groundwater levels, and Spring Creek.

Last Friday 75 to 80mm of rain fell in Blenheim and a further 35 to 40mm is expected tomorrow.

Council’s Operations and Maintenance Engineer Stephen Rooney said a lot depended on how heavy the rain was but said there could be surface flooding around streets and properties.

There may also be issues with pumping and sewer systems if the rain is heavy and people were urged to make sure they were kept up to date with the latest information.

“People should clear gutters and sumps,” he said.

One way to protect low lying garages from surface flooding was to use thick black polythene and use duct tape to secure it to the wall, about a metre high, and a brick to secure it to the ground.

For preparedness advice go to: https://getready.govt.nz/emergency/floods If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 111.

For more information on floodwater and contamination go to: Floods and health

To keep up to date with the latest information and alerts sign up to Antenno. All you need to do is install the app and save the specific addresses of places you care about such as your home, work, rental property or school. Antenno will notify you when something relevant to your chosen place(s) arises. Go to: www.marlborough.govt.nz/services/apps/antenno

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

© Scoop Media