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Southland News & Alerts

May 18, 2022

Heavy rain for parts of the South Island and the upper North Island, also severe gales possible for central and southern New Zealand

A series of fronts embedded in a moist northwesterly flow are expected to affect the country through to late Thursday, bringing periods of heavy rain to the western areas of the South Island and the upper North Island. Heavy rain warnings and watches are in force for these areas.

Additionally, strong west to northwest winds are expected ahead of the front that moves north over the country later today (Wednesday) and Thursday. Strong wind watches are in force for parts of central and southern New Zealand.

People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts in case any changes are made or more areas are added.

Heavy Rain Warning – Orange

Impact: Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.

Area: Ranges of Bay Of Plenty east of Opotiki

Period: 15hrs from 7am – 10pm Thu, 19 May

Forecast: Expect 70 to 110mm to accumulate. Peak rates of 15 to 25mm/h.

Area: Westland about and south of Otira

Period: 16hrs from 11pm Wed, 18 May – 3pm Thu, 19 May

Forecast: Expect 70 to 100mm to accumulate about the ranges and lesser amounts near the coast. Peak rates of 15 to 25m/h, especially in thunderstorms.

Area: Fiordland

Period: 13hrs from 5pm Wed, 18 May – 6am Thu, 19 May

Forecast: Expect 70 to 90mm to accumulate. Peak rates of 15 to 25mm/h, especially in thunderstorms.

Heavy Rain Watch

Area: Northland

Period: 34hrs from 9am Wed, 18 May – 7pm Thu, 19 May

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rain amounts may approach warning criteria for short durations during this time for example 70mm in 12 hours. Note, rain is expected to ease for a time overnight tonight (Wednesday) and during Thursday morning.

Area: Buller, Westland north of Otira

Period: 14hrs from 5am – 7pm Thu, 19 May

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria, especially about the ranges.

Area: Headwaters of Canterbury lakes and rivers

Period: 9hrs from 4am – 1pm Thu, 19 May

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain with thunderstorms. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Area: Headwaters of Otago lakes and rivers

Period: 12hrs from 10pm Wed, 18 May – 10am Thu, 19 May

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain with thunderstorms. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Strong Wind Watch

Area: Canterbury High Country

Period: 14hrs from 11pm Wed, 18 May – 1pm Thu, 19 May

Forecast: Northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.

Area: Central Otago, Southern Lakes, Clutha, Southland, Stewart Island

Period: 10hrs from 9pm Wed, 18 May – 7am Thu, 19 May

Forecast: West to northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.

Area: Wairarapa, Wellington and Marlborough Sounds

Period: 7hrs from 9am – 4pm Thu, 19 May

Forecast: Northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.

Area: Marlborough excluding the Sounds

Period: 9hrs from 5am – 2pm Thu, 19 May

Forecast: Northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.

Issued: 9:19am Wed, 18 May
Next update: 9pm Wed, 18 May

January 24, 2022

The Antidote: One of Five happy things to read about today, January 24

We live in unusual times. It all gets a bit much some days. So we’re bringing you a much-needed dose of positivity to remind you that there’s inspiration, kindness and quirkiness out there too.

Rare twin elephants born in Kenya

Twin baby elephants have been born this week in a rare event at a national reserve in northern Kenya.

The male and female were first spotted by tour guides out on safari at the Samburu reserve at the weekend.

They are only the second set of twin calves ever to have been encountered by local conservation charity Save the Elephants.

The charity said elephant twins account for only 1 per cent of elephant births, with the last known case recorded in 2006.

African elephants have the longest gestation period of any mammal. They carry their young for nearly 22 months, and give birth around every four years.

for more Happy News – click here

January 24, 2022

COVID-19: Contact tracing locations of interest

Locations of interest are linked to public exposure events. We will not always publish casual contact events for regions that are at Red. We will publish close contact events for all regions. Follow the health instructions if you were at a location on the same date and time shown.

Not all exposure events will become locations of interest if health officials can identify everyone who may have been exposed (for example, a flight, a hairdresser with booked appointments, a private social event). These are considered private exposure events and you will be contacted by a district health board, the Ministry of Health or a district health board public health unit. Please follow their advice.

Locations of Interest

January 17, 2022

Severe Weather Outlook

A cold front is expected to move northeast over the South Island on Wednesday and across the North Island on Thursday, bringing a period of rain or showers.

There is low confidence of rainfall accumulations reaching warning amounts in Fiordland and the ranges of southern Westland during Wednesday.

A ridge of high pressure is forecast to build over New Zealand on Friday and persist through Saturday, bringing mostly settled weather to much of the country.

Nevis Bluff, SH6, spring 2021 programme – keeping people safe from bouncing rocks

From next Monday, 1 November 2021, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency’s Nevis Bluff spring safety programme gets underway.

October 27, 2021

Otira Gorge closure first week November, Rock Shelter remediation completion

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency will be closing the Otira Gorge next week in order to undertake maintenance at the Rock Shelter, clearing the build-up of shingle and rocks on the shelter roof.

September 27, 2021

Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa Fund

Sport Otago manages the Sport New Zealand Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa fund for the Otago region. The fund exists to activate our tamariki/children and rangatahi/teens through sport, active recreation and play. It has a strong emphasis on understanding the needs of our youth and delivering what they want to do to be active. Sport New Zealand are specifically targeting Maori, Pacifica, and children with disabilities, but projects to active all inactive and under-active youth can be considered.

September 27, 2021

Extended Road Closure – Nevis Road

Due to a land slip and damage, Nevis Road will remain closed until 15 October.

The Nevis Road will stay closed longer than usual because of a slip and damage that occurred over winter.

The road was due to open on Thursday (30 September) but will remain closed until 15 October due to the land slip and intense scouring of the track.

Central Otago District Council’s contractor will be on site to repair the damage and it is hoped road will be reopened as soon as possible.
Read More >

September 27, 2021

Covid 19 Symptoms

If you develop symptoms of Covid – 19 you need to get a test

May 10, 2021

Temporary road closure – Old Snow Pole Track.

Due to climatic conditions, Council will temporary close and prohibit traffic using Old Snow Pole Track.

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