Latest news with #MetServiceNewZealand
Scoop
13 hours ago
- Climate
- Scoop
Road Users Advised To Avoid Travel If Possible
There continues to be heavy rain and increased areas of flooding throughout the region. 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 and there remains some uncertainty about the duration and intensity of this event. Marlborough Roads advises road users to avoid travel if possible. If people are needing to travel, please drive with caution and to the conditions. Updated roading information as follows: The closure of SH6 is now between Havelock and Hira. Queen Charlotte Drive is closed at the Havelock end due to flooding on the causeway. Ronga Road is closed from the SH6 intersection, closing access to French Pass and Tennyson Inlet. The closure on New Renwick Road is now between Fairhall School and Dog Point Road. There is extensive flooding in the Canvastown, Wakamarina area, caution is advised. The Jacksons Road Ford is closed. There is flooding on SH1 at the Awatere River Bridge, prior to Seddon, drive with caution. All Spring Creek roads are closed from SH1 through to the corner of Thomas and Neils Road. SH63 from Anglesea Street to St Arnaud remains closed. Further updates will be provided, primarily through Marlborough District Council's Facebook page and the Antenno alerting app. Keep an eye on MetService for watch and warning updates at You can track Council's Floodwatch here: 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:
Scoop
a day ago
- Climate
- Scoop
Precautionary Evacuation Advised For Spring Creek Tomorrow Morning
An Orange Heavy Rain Warning was issued by MetService New Zealand earlier today for Marlborough, running from 9am Thursday 26 June to 6pm Friday 27 June. The region is expecting significant rainfall especially about the ranges. Peak rates of 20 to 30 mm/h or more, expected from Thursday late afternoon. There is still uncertainty about the duration of this event and a moderate chance of it being upgraded to a Red Warning. Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions are likely. Marlborough Emergency Management Controller Richard MacNamara said it was a dynamic event. 'All of Marlborough's emergency and lifelines agencies are up to speed and our response teams are ready to go.' 'While the rain forecast remains somewhat uncertain, the weather system does have the potential to stall and deliver additional rainfall on Friday.' 'With the Wairau River stop bank at Spring Creek in a compromised state*, we are taking the precaution of advising residents of Spring Creek township to plan to evacuate their homes from 6am Friday, tomorrow morning. They can leave this evening if they wish but the key time when the river may be running high is from early tomorrow morning.' 'Spring Creek residents are asked to stay with family or friends - have a grab bag ready and take pets and prescription medications with them.' The affected streets in Spring Creek are Dodson, Hathaway and March streets, and part of Ferry Road. Further updates will be provided, primarily through Marlborough District Council's Facebook page and the Antenno alerting app. Keep an eye on MetService for watch and warning updates at NZ Transport Agency are urging drivers to be ready for bad weather driving conditions on the region's roads. Read the latest update at: Remember, it is always important to be prepared. For further information on emergency preparedness go to: *Spring Creek stop bank at Peninsula Road - background information During the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake, the stopbank experienced lateral spread, which was masked by road seal on Peninsula Road. The July 2021 Wairau flood further weakened its resilience and emphasised the need for a capital upgrade to maintain the current level of service, providing one in a 100-year flood protection. In January 2023, the Peninsula Road Stopbank project was reprioritised, and preliminary investigation works began. Funding was secured through the Long-term Plan process, with geotechnical investigations starting in May 2024, followed by initial design work. A $8.7M construction programme was agreed with the community in May last year, which includes $3.6M funding from Central Government. The project involves significant groundwork, which will commence in November 2025. During this period, rock and materials will be stockpiled near the site, temporary infrastructure like haul roads will be built, and other preparations made. This will help us maximise the construction window in November 2026. The Council has worked with the community to secure co-investment from central government for this project successfully. As the final design and construction approach near completion, Council plans to present a comprehensive update from its design team and contractor in early August 2025. The community's welfare and safety remain paramount during this period and are a constant consideration during flood events and planning.
Scoop
01-05-2025
- Climate
- Scoop
Red Strong Wind Warning Issued For Parts Of The Wellington Region
MetService New Zealand has issued a Red Strong Wind Warning for Wellington City, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt and Porirua. This will be in place from 10:00am today (Thursday 1 May) until 3:00am Friday 2 May. Wellington Region Emergency Management Regional Spokesperson, Dan Neely says the forecasted winds of 140km/h can damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures and could lift roofs. 'With the high winds forecast we may also see a number of trees down which can cause power outages and further hazards on the road,' 'We know that Strong Wind Warnings are fairly common for our region and it's easy to get complacent, but Wellingtonians should take this one seriously and be prepared.' Winds are expected to peak at 1:00pm this afternoon especially around the South Coast of Wellington City and exposed hilltops. 'We are advising people to stay indoors where possible and avoid unnecessary travel. If you need to travel this afternoon or evening, plan ahead as strong winds can make driving hazardous,' says Neely. During strong winds, people should: · Stay away from windows and doors. Shelter in the middle of the house preferably in an internal room such as a bathroom. · Do not walk around outside or drive unless absolutely necessary. · Bring pets indoors and move stock to shelter. · Listen to your local (state radio station names here) radio station for information. · Power cuts are possible in severe weather. Unplug small appliances which may be affected by electrical power surges. If power is lost unplug major appliances to reduce the power surge and possible damage when power is restored. "If you, your family and/or your property are at risk, immediately contact emergency services on 111,' says Neely. The Wellington Region Emergency Coordination Centre has activated and is currently monitoring the situation in close contact with MetService, councils, lifeline utilities and emergency services. 'This morning, we met with all of the region's local councils, local emergency services and other key stakeholders and we are all preparing to respond,' says Neely. In addition to the Red Strong Wind Warning, there are a number of other severe weather watches and warnings in place for the Wellington Region. Information on these watches and warnings are available on the MetService website. Wellington Region Emergency Management will be keeping a close eye on the weather as it develops and will post any key updates on its Facebook page: @wremonz
