Strong Wind Watch for Canterbury

This content has been archived and has not been updated since it was last published.

MetService has issued  a Strong Wind Watch for Canterbury for 10hrs from 9am - 7pm Sun, 15 Oct.

1.45pm - 17 OCT

WEATHER

The predicted rain arrived with steady rainfall across much of the District overnight, this should ease later today.

We continue to monitor the situation and at this stage don’t have reported issues relating to the rain. If you are experiencing any issues, please call the Council 0800 965 468.

https://www.waimakariri.govt.nz/council/contact-us

POWER

MainPower report there are approximately 470 properties remaining without power across Hurunui and Waimakariri. MainPower crews, contractors and support teams from other networks are working hard to restore power. More updates will be provided on their website:

https://www.mainpower.co.nz/

WATER AND WASTE WATER SUPPLIES

Power has been restored to all our water and waste water supplies so there is no longer a specific need to conserve water.

ROADS

We are progressively opening roads as trees are being cleared and power lines restores. Details of the small number of affected roads are here: https://www.arcgis.com/.../f6eea74c8473412ea1384520f0964465

SUPPORT

If you need further support call the Council on 0800 965 468 and ask to talk to our Civil Defence team. https://www.waimakariri.govt.nz/council/contact-us

1.30PM - 16 OCT

WEATHER
Hot on the heels of the wind we have some rain coming. Expect around 30mm in Oxford, with 20 to 25 mm falling in Rangiora and coastal areas after midnight tonight. This should fall across approx. 12 hours.

Residents are asked to clear any fallen debris from their home's drains and to report blockages of stormwater infrastructure to the Council. 0800 965 468.
https://www.waimakariri.govt.nz/council/contact-us

POWER
MainPower report there are approximately 1500 properties remaining without power. To restore this amount of power is a herculean effort. Council volunteers have been visiting properties who have been un-contactable doing welfare checking

ROADS
We are progressively opening roads as trees are being cleared and power lines restores. The full list of closures is here: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/f6eea74c8473412ea1384520f0964465

A large section of the significant closure (Fishers Rd, Birch Hill Rd and Ashley Gorge Rd still closed, between Stonyflat Rd and the Ashley Gorge Motor Camp in Oxford) has reopened.

SUPPORT
If you need further support call the Council on 0800 965 468 and ask to talk to our Civil Defence team. https://www.waimakariri.govt.nz/council/contact-us

12.00PM

The strong winds over the weekend have damaged a very small number of the 20,000 Council owned trees in our parks and  streets.

Our tree contractors have been out working since the winds abated on Sunday to  deal with any safety issues they find or that have been reported by residents. We are clearing things up in order of priority and ask you to bear with us while we work through the list of issues which may take us a few days

As always our first priority is to ensure that our trees are safe and we're removing any hanging branches that may pose a future risk.

While we take every precaution to make sure our trees are safe, because of their structure it is inevitable that sometimes they will drop branches and other debris such as seeds or leaves in strong winds.

Our best advice to keep yourself safe is to stay inside when strong winds are predicted.

6.00PM - 15 OCT

WEATHER
The Orange Strong Wind Watch is set to expire at 7pm tonight. What wild weather! Thankfully this coming week the weather is much calmer so District-wide the clean up can continue. The main problem remains power outages.

POWER
If you still have no power prepare that power outages may last multiple days depending on the complexity of the work. Isolated areas are expected to take longer due to access issues. See more at  https://www.mainpower.co.nz/

WATER
Please continue to conserve water. Most of Council's water (7/13) and wastewater systems are still affected by the power outages and running on generators. The simplest way you can help is to not let taps run and take short showers. More water saving tips are here - https://www.waterforlife.org.nz/water-saving-tips

ROADS
There have been lots of fallen trees/branches blocking roads. Our crews have been clearing  and opening roads throughout the day. You can find the latest road closures here - https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/f6eea74c8473412ea1384520f0964465

The most significant closure remains:

  • Fishers Rd, Birch Hill Rd and Ashley Gorge Rd still closed, between Stonyflat Rd and the Ashley Gorge Motor Camp in Oxford.

SUPPORT
If you need further support call the Council on 0800 965 468 and ask to talk to our Civil Defence team. https://www.waimakariri.govt.nz/council/contact-us

1.30PM

The wind today is not as fierce as it was yesterday and clean up efforts across the District are underway. The main problem remains power outages to residents and businesses.

POWER
MainPower are continuing to work to bring back online power everywhere there have been outages. They are advising customers currently without power that they should prepare to be without power for an extended time. See more at  https://www.mainpower.co.nz/

WATER
Please continue to conserve water. Most of Council's water and wastewater systems are still affected by the power outages and running on generators.

ROADS
Council crews are reopening roads throughout the day once obstacles and debris is cleared. Always drive to the conditions and be ready for debris on the roads. The full list of road closures is here - https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/f6eea74c8473412ea1384520f0964465

9.00AM

WEATHER
MetService has issued an Orange Strong Wind Warning from 9am to 7pm today. https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home

POWER
This morning there are still significant numbers of power outages across Waimakariri.

MainPower restored power to 10,000 customers yesterday and are continuing their work today.

WATER
Please continue to conserve water. Most of Council's water and wastewater systems are still affected by the power outages and running on generators.

ROADS
Expect debris and closures on the roads today. Always drive to the conditions and be conscious there is likely to be branches and other debris across the road.

The full list of road closures is here - https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/f6eea74c8473412ea1384520f0964465

Recent changes include:

  • Boys Rd opened again.
  • Gressons Rd opened again.
  • Bennetts Rd still closed between German Rd and Glews Rd.
  • German Rd / Carleton Rd / Bennetts Rd intersection still closed 100m radius.
  • Loburn Whiterock Rd still closed from Hodgsons Rd to Stonyflat Rd.
  • Chapel Rd still closed from Yaxleys Rd to Stonyflat Rd.
  • Fishers Rd, Birch Hill Rd and Ashley Gorge Rd still closed, between Stonyflat Rd and the Ashley Gorge Motor Camp in Oxford.

WASTE/RECYCLING CENTRES
Southbrook Resource Recovery Park has reopened this morning.

The Oxford Transfer Station is without power. We are open but it will be cash only.

6.40PM - 14 OCT

WEATHER

MetService has downgraded the Weather Warning to an Orange Wind Watch. This warning runs for 10hrs from 9am - 7pm Sun, 15 Oct https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home.

POWER

This wind has caused extensive damage to the power network. If you don't currently have power make alternative arrangements for your evening meal. Power is not expected to be back online for some time.  For more info and the list of outages visit  https://www.mainpower.co.nz

WATER

Council's water and wastewater systems are affected by the Power Outages. Residents can help by conserving water. The easiest way to do this is to be conscious of your water use - don't let taps run and take short showers. More water saving tips are here - https://www.waterforlife.org.nz/water-saving-tips

ROADS

Roads are closed due to fallen trees. Expect debris and blockages on the roads. Our crews will be clearing the roads when safe to do so. There are a lot of branches down across roads.

You can find the latest road closures here - this page will be updated as new information comes through. https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/f6eea74c8473412ea1384520f0964465

Loburn & Oxford. Significant Road Closure. Fishers Road, Birch Hill Road and Ashley Gorge Road - between Stoney Flat Road and the Ashley Gorge Camp - are closed. This is due to power lines and trees being down as well as stock getting on to the road.

We expect it may take some time to reopen this section of road. More info will be provided when it's available.

NEED SUPPORT?

If you need further support or are concerned about being without power throughout the night call the Council on 0800 965 468 and ask to talk to our Civil Defence team. https://www.waimakariri.govt.nz/council/contact-us

5:30PM

WIND HAS DROPPED. ORANGE WARNING EXPECTED TOMORROW

An Orange Wind Warning is expected tomorrow - https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home

Power is out across large sections of the District. Report your outage to MainPower. Don't touch damaged lines - treat all lines like they're live.  https://www.mainpower.co.nz/

MainPower are asking residents to make alternative arrangements for your evening meal as they do not expect to have power restored by this time.

All residents  please Conserve Water. The majority of Council water and wastewater supplies are affected by power outages. We're currently running them on generators. Residents can help by conserving water. The easiest way to do this is to be conscious of your water use - don't let taps run and take short showers. More water saving tips are here - https://www.waterforlife.org.nz/water-saving-tips

Roads are closed due to fallen trees. Expect debris and blockages on the roads. Our crews will be clearing the roads when safe to do so. There are a lot of branches down across roads.

You can find the latest road closures here - this page will be updated as new information comes through. https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/f6eea74c8473412ea1384520f0964465

To report an issue please contact us - https://www.waimakariri.govt.nz/council/contact-us

Call Council if you need support. If you need further support or are concerned about being without power throughout the night call the Council on 0800 965 468 and ask to talk to our Civil Defence team. https://www.waimakariri.govt.nz/council/contact-us

4.00PM

WEATHER FOR TOMORROW

The wind has died down a little but expect a MetService Orange warning for further wind tomorrow.

While not expected as strong as today, winds are expected to produce widespread damage, especially to trees and powerlines and could lift roofs.

Transport and power networks are likely to be significantly impacted, with road closures and power outages

https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home

POWER

MainPower are still working through a raft of outages.

To report an outage, damaged line, or to see the list of outages visit - https://www.mainpower.co.nz/

WATER

Most of Council’s wate and wastewater systems are without power and running on generators. We’re organising additional fuel and expect it will be some time before power is restored.

Because of this we’re asking residents to please conserve water.

Water supplies without power include:

  • Ashley Gorge
  • Cust
  • Mandeville
  • Ohoka
  • Oxford Rural No.1
  • Oxford Rural Urban/Rural No.2
  • Waikkuku Beach
  • West Eyreton
  • Woodend Pegasus.

Wastewater pump stations without power include:

  • Kaiapoi
  • Loburn Lea
  • Mandeville
  • Oxford
  • Pegasus
  • Woodend
  • Waikuku Beach.

How can you conserve water at home?

ROADS

There’s a lot of debris across roads District-wide.

Our teams will be working throughout the weekend to clear fallen trees, blockages and make sure the road network is open fully once again.

Always drive to the conditions. Beware of the big gusts can that blow you around and debris across the road. If you're unsure, or feel unsafe, pull over.

To report  any trees or debris on the roads that need clearing please call our team on 0800 965 468 (0800 WMK GOV) and our crews will come and clear this.

NEED SUPPORT?

If you need further support or are concerned about being without power throughout the night call the Council on 0800 965 468 and ask to talk to our Civil Defence team.

https://www.waimakariri.govt.nz/council/contact-us

3.15pm

Power

There are wide power outages across the District.

MainPower have advised the Council they are securing damaged power lines but some repairs may need to wait until the wind dies down and its safe to do so.

Are you without power? Or need to report damage to power lines? Call MainPower.

You can see the extent of current outages on this map.

Don't approach damaged power lines. Treat all lines as live during outage periods; power may be restored at any time

Water supplies

Power outages are also affecting Council's waste and wastewater systems.

We are asking people across the District to conserve water to reduce the impact that it is having on our supplies and also help us manage the continuity of supply.  We are currently running on backup generators on a number of schemes and are having to deploy portable generators to some sites.

We are also mobilising sucker trucks and additional fuel supply as it may take some time for the power to be restored.

Roads

As expected trees, branches and trampolines  have block across the blocked roads District-wide.

Council's team are crossing the District clearing obstacles, debris and ensuring the road network remains open. However, in some instances where the area is particularly exposed to wind there's a chance work will have to wait until the wind lessens.

To report  any trees or debris on the roads that need clearing please call our team on 0800 965 468 (0800 WMK GOV).

11.50am

These winds are expected to produce widespread damage, especially to trees and powerlines and could lift roofs. Transport and power networks are likely to be significantly impacted, with road closures and power outages.

Expect Severe gale northwesterlies gusting 120 km/h in exposed places, but with damaging gusts of 140 km/h late Saturday morning and afternoon.

We expect another period of strong winds from Sunday morning. A Watch or Orange Warning is likely to be issued Saturday evening, to cover winds during this period.

Conditions will be hazardous for motorists and there is a danger to life from flying debris and falling trees or branches.

To report a power outage please call MainPower on 0800 30 90 80. They have teams responding to outages and issues throughout the day.

To report  any trees or debris on the roads that need clearing please call our team on 0800 965 468 (0800 WMK GOV) and our crews will come and clear this. Please be patient it thinks aren't cleared immediately - conditions need to be safe for our crews too.

Southbrook Resource Recovery Park is closed due to the high winds.

If you have to drive - always drive to the conditions. Beware of the big gusts can that blow you around and debris across the road. If you're unsure, or feel unsafe, pull over.