Police keeping a close watch for potential flooding

Christchurch Police are closely monitoring several Christchurch suburbs after reports that some streets have become impassable due to surface flooding.

Steady rain fell throughout the city overnight but it has since eased.

Police say that at about 9.37pm Saturday 5 March 2011 reports were received that an area of Maces Road and Ruru Road in the suburb of Bromley was affected by surface flooding. Road works are being carried out in the area.

A sector of Cardrona Street off Avonside Drive in suburban Avondale is reported impassable. St Martins and Dallington are others experiencing surface flooding.

Operations Commander Superintendent Sandra Manderson says police are keeping a close watch for potential flooding that could impact on home owners.

“Should the situation become serious there are sufficient staff on hand to manage any emergency,” she said.

“Four volunteers from the 4x4 Driving Club are assisting Police. They are using vehicles to check the level of water in the Cardrona and Avonside Drive localities.”

“Anyone driving large vehicles or trucks is urged to travel at slow speed in the affected areas. This will prevent any unnecessary backwash flowing into any of the suburban houses.”

“A high spring tide at 6.20am this morning will determine whether or not there is a risk of serious flooding in the suburbs where the Avon River is a natural boundary,” Superintendent Manderson said.