Surface flooding is expected around North Otago rivers and the Dunedin City Council is urging residents to be prepared as Cyclone Gita barrels towards New Zealand.
The remnants of the storm that battered Samoa, Tonga and southern Fiji was expected to make landfall across the country later this afternoon and tonight, bringing powerful swells of up to 7m, torrential rain, rapidly rising streams and rivers, slips, flooding and severe gale-force winds gusting to 140kmh in places.
The Otago Regional Council(ORC) said this afternoon the heavy rain expected to hit North Otago would likely cause surface flooding around some North Otago rivers.
Minor surface ponding was expected around Dunedin and the Taieri plain, but no flooding.
The ORC was "closely monitoring" river levels across the region and would continue to overnight.
It said the most severe weather was expected over the next 24 hours, with the weather situation easing from late tomorrow morning.
The Dunedin City Council (DCC) said it was taking precautions now that heavier rain was now forecast in the city then previously expected and was asking residents to be prepared.
Air New Zealand said flights at Queenstown, Hokitika, New Plymouth and New Plymouth had been cancelled, flights at Nelson cancelled from midday, and flights at Wellington airport would be cancelled between 2.45pm and midnight.
Some flights have been affected in and out of Dunedin today.
Passengers should check their airline or airport websites for further details.
- Check flight info for Dunedin and Queenstown
MetService issued a severe weather watch for Dunedin at 11.06am today, advising up to 40mm of rain could fall in the city in 12 hours.
Otago Civil Defence and Emergency Management said it would get "seriously wet" in the Waitaki district this afternoon and tomorrow.
MetService had issued a heavy rain warning for North Otago, with 60mm to 90mm of rain at up to 10 to 15mm/hr for the 24 hours from 1pm today.
Civil Defence said at the very least this would cause surface flooding, and motorists should take care on roads.
It would be working with the Otago Regional Council's flood management team to bring any updates on the rivers - particularly the Kakanui.
Meanwhile, the bad weather could bring a dusting of snow to the Crown Range.
MetService has warned the Crown Range may be affected by snow and sleet over night.
A MetService spokesman said a current of warm air was running over the top of a "surface southerly" which was "quite good for producing snowfall".
Drivers are being asked to be wary and avoid travelling on the road over night.
"During this time, 5cm to 10cm of snow may accumulate at the summit, with lesser amounts down to 800m."
He said the snow would return to rain later on Wednesday morning.
DCC general manager infrastructure and networks Leanne Mash said the council was taking precautions now that heavier rain was forecast in Dunedin than previously expected.
The intensity of rain forecast would typically result in surface ponding, and possibly disruptions to travel, Ms Mash said.
"As a precaution staff and contractors have been working to ensure systems are clear and running well.
"We will continue to monitor the situation and staff and contractors will be on standby overnight in case the situation worsens."
Warrington Reserve had been closed to freedom camping due to rain and flooding.
The DCC was advising people to be prepared, which included:
- Checking spoutings and drainage channels for blockages and clear them if necessary
- If your basement is prone to flooding lift items that could be damaged by water off the floor. Be sure garden sprays and other chemicals won’t be affected
- Check grates near your house for blockages and keep them clear of leaves and other debris to avoid water building up and affecting your property.
- Keep up with what is happening by visiting the DCC website, listening to the radio and using other media, including ODT.co.nz
Outlook for North Otago (information from the Otago Regional Council)
A heavy rainfall warning was in place for North Otago, with Metservice predicting rainfall totals to 60 to 90mm to fall in the 22 hours from 1pm today.
Rainfall intensities for North Otago are expected to peak at 10 to 15mm per hour.
People should be aware of rapidly rising water levels in North Otago rivers.
Peak river flows of around 130 cubic metres per second are expected between 3 to 5am tomorrow, at the Kakanui at Clifton Falls site.
At this level of river flow there is likely to be surface flooding around some North Otago Rivers.
At 12pm today, 30mm of rain had already fallen in the North Otago catchment. ORC will be monitoring the situation through the night.
Outlook for Dunedin
A heavy rainfall watch is in place for Dunedin, with Metservice predicting rainfall totals of 40mm over the duration of the weather event.
Rainfall intensities are expected to peak at 5 to 8mm per hour.
Minor surface ponding is expected. However, the ORC is not expecting flooding in Dunedin or on the Taieri flood plain from the Taieri River.
Outlook for Central Otago and Maniototo
Widespread rain is expected for Central Otago and Maniototo. Metservice is predicting rainfall totals of 50 to 70mm over the 24 hours.