01 Jun 2021 | 05:18 AM UTC
New Zealand: State of emergency in Canterbury, South Island, June 1 due to heavy rain and flooding /update 3
State of emergency remains in place for Canterbury, New Zealand, June 1. All weather warnings lifted.
Event
As of June 1, the state of emergency in the Canterbury Region, South Island, remains in place following heavy rain and flooding. The New Zealand National Meteorological Service has lifted all weather warnings. However, floodwaters are likely to recede slowly as water levels in the rivers remain high. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update existing advisories as weather conditions change.
Widespread road closures are in place. State Highway 1 is closed at Ashburton River (Hakatere) Bridge which has reportedly sustained damages; officials will likely establish an alternative route by late June 1. The highway is also closed south of Selwyn Lake Road. Officials have urged residents to avoid nonessential road travel. More information about state highway access and road closures can be found here. Information on active alerts in the Canterbury region can be found here. Officials are allowing evacuated residents, apart from those residing in the Okukku area and the low-lying areas of Coopers Creek catchment north of the Orari River, to return.
Hazardous Conditions
Periods of heavy rainfall could trigger flash flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall. Strong winds could down trees or powerlines, causing power outages.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. The disruptive weather may cause some delays and cancellations at regional airports. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations along the Tasman Sea and South Pacific Ocean if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.
Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
