Far North civil defence again preparing for action

Far North District Council civil defence teams and contractors are again preparing for the worst as a new storm threatens to hammer the already sodden district.

MetService warnings predict a slower moving front with another 80 to 100mm of sustained heavy rain up to 25mm per hour from 3pm tomorrow, especially in the east.

District Facilities general manager Alastair Wells says if the forecast proves accurate, the Far North can expect some bad flooding during the next few days.

“The ground is already saturated from the weekend’s rain and river levels are still high in many parts of the district,” he said. “Many people are still battling the effects of the weekend storm and repair crews are still out on the ground trying to repair the damage.

“We have some roads closed and some households are without power and telecommunications. The council and emergency services are working to restore services as fast as possible.”

Mr Wells says the new situation is being monitored closely and road, water, wastewater and town maintenance crews are ready to respond to any new challenges coming the district’s way.

“Again we advise people to monitor weather forecasts, stay off the roads if at all possible during the storm, secure anything that could blow away, and prepare for the possibility of more severe floods and further disruption to essential services.”