Surface Flooding Around Blenheim

Drivers are being warned to take care because surface flooding is occurring around Blenheim’s streets.

The ground is saturated after the recent rains and the high groundwater level is placing pressure on the town’s stormwater system.

The Springlands and Mayfield areas are experiencing stormwater problems with reports coming in of toilets being slow to flush. The Council advises that where gullytraps are overflowing outside, householders should contact the Council and staff will come and assist with any clean-up.

People are also reminded to follow good hygiene practices and not come into contact with raw sewage.
A similar situation occurred during the 2008 floods.

The Taylor and Omaka Rivers are rising fairly quickly again this morning although levels are still lower than they were a few days ago. Rainfall peaked at about 7mls-an-hour at 6am and since then rainfall has been steady at about 2-3ml- an-hour. However the high rate of run-off from the soaked ground is causing the water levels to rise quickly.

Contractors are out dealing with the pressure points on the Omaka River this morning and the fords on Old Renwick Road, between Pak Lim’s Corner and St Leonards Road mean that road has been closed again.

The worst surface flooding has been reported at SH 63 by Broadbridge’s Yard, on Ben Morven Road, Godfreys Road, Brookby Road and Dillons Point Road. Surface flooding has also been reported on the Northbank Road.