Weather: Heavy rain floods Nelson streets, blows out manholes
MetService rain radar showing moderate rainfall over the upper South Island.
Photo:
MetService
This is breaking news and will be updated ...
Heavy rain is causing localised surface flooding in Nelson.
"Some of the flood waters are quite deep, so please treat all flood waters as potentially contaminated," Nelson Tasman Civil Defence said on social media.
MetService did not have any watches or warnings in place for the Nelson region, but its rain radar showed a band of 'moderate' rainfall crossing the upper South Island.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand said it was responding to a large number of flooding incidents in central Nelson.
Southern Communications Centre shift manager Lyn Crossan said there had been more than 20 incidents reported since 10.15am, most of them in the area between Washington Street in the north and Bishopdale in the south.
"We are prioritising the most urgent incidents first, where there is danger to people's safety," she said.
"However, the majority of incidents relate to floodwaters entering property. We are strongly advising people to avoid travelling to or through that area this morning."
It was reported manhole covers were being pushed out of their holes.
Nelson City Council group manager infrastructure Alec Louverdis said the council was "actively monitoring the weather conditions and responding to surface flooding in multiple locations across the region".
"Rutherford Street will be closed shortly while urgent repairs are carried out on a manhole. Contractors are currently on site managing the situation."
He said the eBus service was temporarily suspended, and routes were being assessed for safety and accessibility.
"Residents are advised to delay travel if possible. If you must drive, please reduce your speed and avoid flooded roads. Please stay clear of floodwaters, which may be contaminated and pose health risks.
"The weather front is now moving away from the region, but council will continue to monitor the situation and respond as needed.
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