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Otago flood advisory Wednesday 26 May 0900 hours

Wednesday 26 May 2010, 12:09PM

By Otago Regional Council

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OTAGO

The Otago Regional Council (ORC) is closely monitoring rainfall and river flows in North Otago, Dunedin, and the Taieri catchment.

ORC duty flood manager Matt Dale said as at 9am this morning the Silver Stream had gone past its second alarm and was flowing at 110 cumecs, and continuing to rise. The Taieri River at Outram was flowing at 900 cumecs, and was also rising. Meanwhile, the Pomahaka River had passed through first alarm at both monitoring sites and was running at 190 cumecs at Burkes Ford.

"We are expecting steady rain in the area for most of the day, but no further high intensity events are expected at this stage," Mr Dale said. Total rainfall is expected to reach between 20 and 40mm, with intensities of between 4 and 6mm per hour.

Meanwhile, floods in North Otago look to have peaked, with the Shag, Kakanui and Waianakarua Rivers all dropping from yesterday's peak flows. The MetService is not expecting any further significant rain in North Otago today.

Council advises those that live in low-lying areas should keep a close watch on river flows and inform Council of any flooding.

"As the ground is quite saturated from a sustained period of rain, river flows can change quite quickly with an increase in rainfall," Mr Dale said.

A dedicated media flood information line has been established on 027 6022 735.

River level and rainfall information can be checked on the ORC water info webpage www.orc.govt.nz/waterinfo or by phoning 0800 426 463