Weather update Tuesday May 9 2023

Latest weather update as of 10:47am

The weather continues to track as forecast, but we are keeping a close eye on it should something change.

• The Maitai River is expected to peak later this evening.
• All of the rivers and streams are expected to peak at annual flood levels or lower, although this could change if there are localised downpours.
• Slips are a risk for our region with steep hillsides, especially if intense rain does occur. 

Our roads are starting to get a bit slippery. Please drive to the conditions. Leave more space than usual and have your headlights on. Surface flooding can occur - so please be careful.

The rain we received on Saturday caused some disruption across our region with flooding, road closures, and a few evacuations. With the ground already sodden and rivers swollen, there is a possibility we may experience further disruptions.  

If you see a slip please call our Customer Service Team on 03 546 0200.

Staff at Nelson City Council and Nelson Tasman Civil Defence are on standby monitoring the situation and will provide further updates as they become available.  

Know where to look for important info.  

The Nelson Tasman Civil Defence Facebook page is the first place to check for emergency information.  
Check the MetService website for updates to the weather forecast. 
Check Waka Kotahi NZTA’s website for updates on State Highway conditions, including closures. 
Check the Road Info website for updates on local road closures.
If you have an emergency or need evacuation, call 111 
To report flooding, landslips, and other weather-related disruptions, or for assistance, call our Customer Service Centre at 03 546 0200. This phone service is available 24/7. 
To receive important updates from Nelson City Council straight to your phone, download the Antenno app or check our Facebook Page. 
Here is where things stand from the weekend: 

Rāhui 

A rāhui has been put in place for Tasman Bay until further notice due to wastewater overflows. These have now been repaired but the Rāhui remains in place. Entering the water, gathering seafood and kai, in-shore fishing, and gathering of crayfish, crab, kina, and paua are all prohibited.  

The rāhui covers all coastlines, river mouths, and floodwaters. 

All surface water should also be treated as contaminated. 

Road closures

• Aniseed Valley Road from Hackett Reserve  

• Maitai Valley Road from Poleford Bridge
• Tantragee Road
• Clouston Tce (Resident access only)
• Atmore Tce (Resident access only)

Infrastructure  

Repairs on the Atawhai Rising Main wastewater pipe have been completed.
Work to clean out culverts, sweep roads, and fix minor damage from last week’s rainfall continues in the Maitai, the Brook, Aniseed Valley and Atmore Terrace. 
Stormwater intakes and sumps have been checked and cleaned. 
Gravel traps have been cleaned out in preparation. 
Exposed slips in places have been covered and waterproofed to limit further erosion.  
Crews have inspected the Maitai Shared Pathway for damage. Any required repairs will begin after the rain passes. 
Work on the Riverside Swallow main has been postponed.  
Riverbank protection was damaged in some areas by flooding over the weekend. Repairs are on hold until today's weather passes. 

Sports fields 

All grass sports fields remain closed until they can be assessed. 

Trails 

Please stay off all trails.   

Mountain biking in wet weather can damage tracks, particularly those with a clay substrate like the ones in Codgers.  

There may also be safety risks at the moment in the form of flooding, slips and fallen trees.  

Facilities 

Facilities alongside the river, like Riverside Pool and Elma Turner Library, may close at short notice. Keep an eye out here or on social media for more information.

The temporary bridge at the Waahi Taakaro Golf Course has been damaged by flooding. The golf course is closed until further notice.