Update from South Wairarapa Council re flooding

SEVERE WEATHER UPDATE:

- Emergency crews are very busy across the region responding to the most severe incidents. Roading inspectors have been out since daybreak covering the roading network as well as focusing on known trouble areas.

- Wastewater and stormwater overflows and surface flooding has been widespread. We are marking some of the worst areas for traffic management but won’t be able to get to everything. Members of the public should drive to conditions and exercise due care.

Some of the work already done:
- We have cleared culverts at Hinekura Road that were causing damage to the new road. Council crew will be back at the site today and are monitoring the area – which has received around 92mm of rain so far. Thanks to local resident Pip Wilkinson for her early warning which meant a quick response was possible.

- Waka Kotahi has closed the Waihenga Bridge and we are watching Ponatahi closely. Oporua spillway will close later today and may be closed for a couple of days. Rivers out of the Tararuas may have peaked, but a lot depends on how much further rain the region receives.

- Wellington Water Limited has received over 100 storm related incidents and is making a prioritised response.

- Wastewater overflows in Featherston are being cleared using sucker trucks.

Council staff and roading teams are active across the network addressing the most serious issues. If you have a weather related issue, please call 06 306 9611 to log it ASAP.

And stay off the roads as much as you can today please.

We understand many of you have need to travel for vaccinations and testing. Should you need to travel, then the road in and out of Martinborough is through Ponatahi to Longbush then to Masterton. Please drive to the conditions and exercise extreme care.