The Dunedin City Council is taking precautionary steps ahead of heavy rain forecast for the city.

MetService has issued a heavy rain watch for Dunedin, Clutha and North Otago from 6pm on Wednesday until 3pm on Thursday. 

In Buller, a heavy rain watch was in place until 10pm on Wednesday, with 60 to 90mm of rain in addition to what has already fallen, mainly about the ranges.

DCC general manager city services Scott MacLean said the amount of rain forecast was between 30mm and 50mm, which was well within acceptable limits for the city’s infrastructure. 

“However, there is also a moderate chance of MetService upgrading the heavy rain watch to a warning,” Mr MacLean said. 

“For that reason, we’re taking our usual precautionary steps now to ensure the city is well placed to cope with the rain, which is expected to be at its heaviest early tomorrow morning.”

A DCC spokesman said staff and contractors were preparing the city’s stormwater and wastewater systems, including sweeping gutters and checking mud tanks in low-lying and high-risk areas.

“We are also asking any residents who notice a blocked mud tank near their home to clear debris on to the footpath, where it will be picked up by contractors when the weather clears,” Mr MacLean said.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we will also be opening self-serve sandbagging stations in South Dunedin and Mosgiel for anyone who is concerned and wants to prepare.”

The stations will also be open from 3pm on Wednesday at these locations:

Dunedin Ice Stadium carpark

101 Victoria Rd
Saint Kilda

Mosgiel Memorial Park gym carpark

187D Gordon Rd
Mosgiel

 

CLUTHA COUNCIL MONITORING SITUATION

In South Otago, the Clutha District Council said it would monitor the situation overnight.

A spokeswoman said there were precautions people could take to get ready in case the heavy rain watch was upgraded to a warning.

They are:

• Ensure gutters, spouting and downpipes are clear around your home to stop water from backing up.

• Tie down or move loose objects like outdoor furniture, wheelie bins, and trampolines under cover where possible.

• If your basement or low-lying area is prone to flooding, move items that could get damaged off the floor.

• Avoid driving through floodwaters.

– Allied Media