Southland Weather Updates

29/10/2022

At 05:30 pm, MetService weather radar detected severe thunderstorms near MATAURA, EDENDALE and WYNDHAM.

These severe thunderstorms are moving towards the southsouthwest, and are expected to lie near EDENDALE, WYNDHAM, SEAWARD DOWNS and GLENHAM at 06:00 pm and near EDENDALE, WYNDHAM, SEAWARD DOWNS and GLENHAM at 06:30 pm.

These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by very heavy rain, hail and frequent lightning.

Very heavy rain can cause surface and/or flash flooding about streams, gullies and urban areas, and make driving conditions extremely hazardous.

Hail can cause damage to crops, orchards and vines and may make driving conditions hazardous.

Frequent lightning is dangerous to people and livestock, especially those exposed outdoors or on the water, and can cause power surges and damage to electrical equipment.

The National Emergency Management Agency advises that as storms approach you should:
- Take shelter, preferably indoors away from windows;
- Avoid sheltering under trees, if outside;
- Get back to land, if outdoors on the water;
- Move cars under cover or away from trees;
- Secure any loose objects around your property;
- Check that drains and gutters are clear;
- Be ready to slow down or stop, if driving.
During and after the storm, you should also:
- Beware of fallen trees and power lines;
- Avoid streams and drains as you may be swept away in flash flooding.

26/01/2021

WEDNESDAY 27TH JANUARY - SEVERE WEATHER WARNING FOR FIORDLAND, SOUTHLAND AND STEWART ISLAND - ORANGE

Another update on the current Severe Weather Warning.

Please note that the Strong Wind Warning is predicting gusts up to 130km/h.

Heavy Rain Warning for Fiordland - Orange
Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.
Issued: 9:00am Wednesday, 27th January 2021
Area: Fiordland north of Dusky Sound
Valid: 11:00am Wednesday to 8:00pm Wednesday
Expect 70 to 100mm of rain to accumulate. Peak rates of 20 to 30mm/h.

Strong Wind Warning for Southland, Fiordland, Stewart Island - Orange
Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures. Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.
Issued: 9:00am Wednesday, 27th January 2021
Area: Fiordland, Southland including Stewart Island
Valid: 9:00am Wednesday to 6:00pm Wednesday
North to northwest gales are forecast to be severe at times, with gusts reaching 120 to 130km/h in exposed places.

For more info head to https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home -weather-warnings-and-watches

04/10/2020

Do not travel if you dont have to

04/10/2020

There is significant flooding currently in Riverton, so we kindly ask residents to please stay at home and let the emergency services do their work. A number of streets have been blocked off.
Please avoid Taramea Bay and Walker Street, as walking down these roads pushes water into the houses.
Colac Bay and Orepuki should also be avoided.
Thank you!

27/09/2020

HEAVY SNOW WARNING

Area: Southland south of Riversdale, Stewart Island, and Clutha south of Clinton
Valid: 23 hours from 10:00am Monday to 9:00am Tuesday
Forecast: Heavy snow is expected above 300 metres where 10cm of snow may accumulate in 6 hour periods, in particular during this morning and afternoon, and again from overnight tonight through to mid-morning Tuesday. Total accumulations may reach 20 to 30cm in 24 hours in some places throughout the Warning period. Please note, further snow showers are expected down to sea level through to Tuesday evening, with accumulations possibly reaching warning criteria (eg. 10cm in 6 hours) in some places, and this warning may be extended.
Changes: This Warning now includes Clutha south of Clinton.

Area: Fiordland
Forecast: Expect a further 20 to 30cm of snow to accumulate above 300 metres, with higher totals likely above 500 metres. However, snow should become confined to south of Doubtful Sound tonight or overnight. Please note, further snow showers are expected down to sea level through to Tuesday evening in the south, with accumulations possibly reaching warning criteria (eg. 10cm in 6 hours), and this warning may be extended.

27/09/2020

Reports of snow falling across the region including Invercargill. Road will most likely start to close shortly, have a day at home of you can. Post your snow pics below

Full Disclaimer: I am currently in the North Island, travelling back south today so there may not be as many updates.

27/09/2020

Nationwide Severe Weather Watches and Warnings - MetService provides Alerts for Strong Wind, Heavy Rain, and Heavy Snow, and Thunderstorms through a system of Outlooks, Watches and Warnings.

14/09/2020

Time to tie the tramp down!!

Time to tie down the trampoline. MetService has issued a strong wind warning for the whole of Otago with gales forecast to become severe in exposed places from around 6am until 3pm tomorrow. Gusts could reach 120km/hr, so tie down the trampoline and be prepared for power cuts. https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home

31/08/2020

❄️❄️Heavy Snow Warning🌨🌨

Southland north of Gore, eastern and southern parts of Fiordland, and Clutha north of Tapanui
Valid: 6 hours from 11:00pm Monday to 5:00am Tuesday
Forecast: A period of heavy snow. Expect 10 to 15cm of snow to accumulate above 400 metres, with lesser amounts down to 200 metres.

31/08/2020

UPDATE: FENZ says there is no risk of the fire getting near the ouvea premix at the mill. For more details go to https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/122617716/fire-bosses-say-no-risk-of-fire-getting-to-premix-at-old-mill

STATE HIGHWAY 93 CLOSED: We have been advised a fire at the former Mataura paper mill has forced the closure of SH93 from the Mataura bridge, in Bridge Street, to the intersection with Kaiwera Road.

There is a detour in place at Kaiwera Road for southbound traffic. Our roading team says Kaiwera Road is sealed with no bridge weight restrictions, therefore is suitable for heavy transport.

This is all the information we have at present in relation to the fire at the mill.

13/04/2020

Snow falling to ground level in Kingston and Garston, don't go rushing to see it, chuck some photos up here!

04/04/2020

Some helpful advice from our favourite Police officers

30/03/2020

Don't be a dick

27/03/2020

25/03/2020

Disgusting behavior

19/03/2020

We will be providing clear concise COVID-19 updates, but ANY misinformation, panic in the comments will be deleted, we don't normally do that but there is so much misinformation out there at the moment

19/03/2020

In case you missed the latest:
- Indoor gatherings of more than 100 are jailable offences now, workplaces, schools and hospitals are exempt, the implications for the hospitality industry will be sorted over the next few days
- As of 11.59 tonight our borders will close, on NZ Citizens and Permanent residents will be allowed in after intense scrutiny, you are allowed to leave.
- Australia has just announced the same measures, therefore transit through Australia will not be possible unless your are an Australian Citizen

18/03/2020

Good Morning everyone, after having a long think about it, we have decided we will post Covid-19 updates that are directly related to Southland, especially now that there has been a case confirmed in Invercargill, Anything we post will be fact checked and verified, We don't not want to contribute to any of the rumours and rubbish floating around online, below is an article about the places the Invercargill case has been

Local spots where man may have come into contact with people are identified.

28/02/2020

Not causing panic, more of an FYI

Kia ora koutou - late this afternoon we were informed of a case in New Zealand. The New Zealand Health System is well prepared for this and want to reassure you that the chances of community outbreak remain low.

Work has begun to trace the patient’s other close contacts including those on the flight involved which originated in Tehran and came via Bali. The person arrived in Auckland on 26 February and travelled home in a private car. Their family became concerned about their condition and called Healthline.

Anyone who was on the final leg of the flight, Emirates EK450, arriving Auckland on Wednesday 26 February and who is concerned should contact the COVID-19 Healthline number 0800 358 5453.

Keeping individuals, families and our communities safe and healthy requires a team effort - show aroha ❤️ toward those in your community and if you or your whānau feel unwell, call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 or call your GP. Remember - it’s important to call ahead before visiting your GP.

09/02/2020

We've heard there's some uncertainty about how people should treat bores. If you think or know your bore has been affected by the flooding, pump it to waste for 24 hours, but DO NOT pump if your bore is still under water. In the meantime, treat all water as contaminated and use bottled water or boil drinking water. A boil water notice is also in place for Gore, Mataura and the Otama water supply. More information: https://www.goredc.govt.nz/our-services/water/boil-water-notice-what-does-it-mean/

09/02/2020

UPDATE: 7:36pm - PowerNet has just reported that power is back on 😀

09/02/2020

Absolute F**king Scum!!!

Southern police are reminding people to keep their homes and property secure after two recent burglaries in the Mataura area.

09/02/2020

After the latest emergency, we feel we need to make this post, there are only two admins on this page, one of them works in Media and one works in the Weather related field, so as you can imagine we were both extremely busy during this 1 in 100 year event, so if we don't respond to messages asking if the road to "the dairy" is open then your abuse will be duly noted. The ethos behind this page is to collect as much info as possible and put it all in one place, so people have a central place to go to, Not to answer silly questions, We don't have a forecast for Otautau 6 weeks from now, nor do we know if the road from your place to the dairy is open so you can get your pack of JPs reds, we love you all and appreciate your support but we are not the be all and end all of Southland weather, but we do try. We both have access to slightly more information than the average public but not much. We bring you the important and relevant stuff as soon as possible, sometimes we drop the ball but we are only human

07/02/2020

Teams of volunteers have joined the Southland Federated Farmers Farmy Army today to help flood-affected farms throughout the region. This work is only just beginning, and they'd love to hear from anyone who might be willing to volunteer. Either by registering on their website www.fedfarm.org.nz - or by showing up at one of the meeting points in the poster below.

If you're a farmer in need of help to clean up debris, register using this form:
https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/2a4649b094d547a396ae03af9a3a7569

06/02/2020

Mataura is open

MATAURA REOPENS: Mataura is now open to residents.

There are still some areas of surface flooding. The worst affected areas are:
• Main Street between the Caltex service station and Tullochs Transport,
• Oakland Street between Tulloch Park and Burns Street
• Bangor Street
• Bristol Street
• Carteret Street
• Dover Street
• Carlyle Street
• McConnell Street.

There is also some localised ponding in Scott and Burns streets.

Some houses have had power disconnected, a letter has been left to advise the homeowner.

There may be a number of properties that are inundated or un-inhabitable. These are properties without water, a flushing toilet, or excessive dampness that could cause respiratory issues.

People who need assistance or advice should go to the Mataura community centre, in McQueen Avenue, where a community support centre is being set up.

There will be staff from the Council and Emergency Management Southland, and other agencies at the centre. There will be basic necessities available for those who need them.

There is a boil water notice in place for the town.

There will be a water tanker at the centre, from 8.00pm, and port-a-loos.

People are asked to drive carefully through any surface flooding to minimise water going into properties.

State Highway 1 is open through the town – a 30kph restriction will be in force. Debris may still be on roads around the town. Be careful and think of others.

05/02/2020

Road update

05/02/2020

Last update for tonight

05/02/2020

UPDATE FROM EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

05/02/2020

Road update as of 0900 6/2/2020 Now includes Local and council roads

REOPENED ROADS
SH 1 Gore to Clinton OPEN but expect delays
SH 97 Mossburn to SH6 intersection OPEN, CAUTION
SH 94 The Key, between Hillside - Manapouri Road and Blackmount - Redcliff Road OPEN, CAUTION
SH 6 Makarewa Junction, on the Makarewa River bridge OPEN, CAUTION
SH 96 Winton to Mataura, between Brown Road and State Highway 1 OPEN

CLOSED ROADS
SH 90 Waikoikoi to Tapanui, from the intersection of Koi Road to Station Road CLOSED 40 MINUTE DIVERSION
SH 99 Makarewa Bridge, Wallacetown CLOSED
SH 93 Clinton to Mataura CLOSED
SH 1 Mataura to Gore CLOSED
SH 94 Gore to Mandeville (Waimea Highway) CLOSED
SH 6 Kingston to Five Rivers CLOSED
SH 6 Frankton to Kingston CLOSED
SH 94 Milford to Te Anau, K***s Flat to Chasm CLOSED this could be in place for a week

LOCAL COUNCIL ROADS this list is in now way complete due to the nature of the event, and these roads may reopen at any point
• Allison Road (Milton)
• Barrata Creek Road
• Beggs Track Road – tree down
• Black Bridge Road (Clydevale)
• Black Bridge Road (Milton)
• Butts Road (Milton)
• Catherwood Road
• Chapman Road
• Chloris Pass at Cairn Rd New
• Clarke Road (at Lakeside Road) (NOW OPEN)
• Clutha River Rd at Hall Rd. (NOW OPEN – ONE LANE)
• Clutha Valley Road (CLOSED)
• Clydevale at Burkes Ford (Burkes Ford Rd, Clydevale Rd, MacFarlane Rd, Pomahaka Rd, Popotunoa School Rd, Ross Rd)
• Four Mile Creek Road
• Gormack Street at Moir Street
• Holgate Road (NOW CLOSED)
• Hunt Road (Catlins)
• Jeff Road
• Kaihiku Road
• Kaitangata Highway (Stirling to Balclutha)
• Kakapuaka (OPEN ONE LANE)
• Kelso Area (Ardmore Rd, Greenvale Rd, Wooded Hill Rd, Paradise Flat Rd)
• Kilhastie Road
• Koi Flat Road
• Kuriwao Siding Road
• Lewin St at Ross St (Balclutha) (NOW OPEN)
• MacFarlane Road
• Mercer Road (NOW OPEN)
• Moa Flat Road
• Moa Hill Road
• Miller Rd
• Owaka Highway high to gray
• Pannets Road
• Pomahaka Road
• Railway Terrace (Waipahi)
• Robertson Road
• Rongahere Road (slip road across road)
• Ross Road
• Slopedown Rd is Closed from Morven Rd to the Boundary (not currently signed). Southland District Council have closed the road on their side of the boundary as well
• Storer Road (NOW OPEN)
• Summer Hill Road
• Terrace Road (West Otago)
• The Nuggets Road (NOW OPEN – ONE LANE)
• Toko Mouth Road
• Tutu Hill Road
• Waipahi Station Road
• Waitapeka Road (NOW OPEN – ONE LANE)
• West Otago Road
• Winslade Road
The Tuapeka Punt is closed until further notice.

Roads with surface flooding/damage
• Allangrange Road
• Back Road (Lawrence)
• Back Road (Milton)
• Bagrie Road/Young Road (West Otago)
• Ballantyne Road
• Barnego Road
• Breakneck Road (deeply scoured)
• Clutha River Road
• Cherry Farm/Wairuna Siding Road
• Clyde Terrace Kaitangata has surface water flooding but we have people on site monitoring this
• Four Mile Creek Road
• Franklin Road
• Frances Street, Baclutha
• Hazeldale Road
• Hillend Road
• Hugh Street, Owaka
• Hukarere Station Road
• Kaihiku Road
• Kaitangata Highway
• Katea Road
• King Road
• Landslip Road
• Lonsdale Road
• Mitchell's Flat Road (down to one lane by a slip)
• Moore’s Beach Road
• Old Manse Road
• Owaka Highway (By Cannibal Bay Road)
• Port Molyneux Road
• Rankleburn Road (trees/slip)
• Reserve Road
• Romahapa Road
• Seddon Hill Road
• Slopedown Road
• Spylawburn Road
• Storer Road – 4WD
• Switzers Road
• Tuapeka Mouth Road
• Tokoiti Road/Toko Mouth Road
• Waiwera Station Road
• West Otago Road
• Whiteside Road
Ellis Road between Acton and Lowther Rds
Taramoa West Plains Road
Felton Road
Lora Gorge Road
Henderson Road
Dipton-Mossburn Road
Wreys Bush -Mossburn Road
Riversdale - Waikaia Road
Pyramid-Waiparu Road
Counsell Road, Makarewa
Otautau Tuatapere Road (detour via Clifden Highway)
Wyndham Station Road (Mokoreta)
Mimihau School Road from Wyndham Road to the cemetery
Wyndham-Edendale Road at 8pm
Island Edendale Road
Rakahouka Hedgehope Road
Otamita Gorge Road
South Hillend Dipton Road (between Hishon Road and Dipton Bush Road)
Centre Hill Road
Mavora Lakes Road
Oreti Road
Mararoa Road
Affleck Road (Five Rivers)
Sandstone-Kingstone Crossing Road
Waimea Valley Road
Roads in the Athol, Garston, Five Rivers, Waikaia, Balfour and Riversdale areas - contractors cannot get to all these roads because of flooding

04/02/2020

BALCLUTHA RESIDENTS