Potential severe weather: time to prepare

We understand people will be feeling apprehensive about the predicted rainfall and what that might mean for our region.

To make sure we are prepared for any eventuality, we met with Nelson Tasman Civil Defence, Tasman District Council, NEMA, iwi, FENZ, Te Whatu Ora, Police and others for a multi-agency hui yesterday and will be meeting again this afternoon.

What's the latest info?

• MetService New Zealand may upgrade the weather warning level from orange to red today.
• We are monitoring the situation very closely so we can respond as quickly as possible.

What are we doing to prepare?

• Street sweepers are busy clearing drains and streets of autumn leaves
• Diggers are standing by at key locations around the city and region to respond to any slips. Some are already at work fortifying existing slips.
• We've arranged for are emergency accommodation for our homeless community without adequate shelter at Unite Church at 173 Rutherford Street. Accommodation is open from 8pm today (4 May) until 9am Friday 5 May. Ongoing accommodation support after this time will be reviewed depending on need and the weather forecast from Friday into the weekend. A decision on this is expected to be made on Friday morning. 
  The church will have tea and coffee facilities and some bedding will be available. This facility is open as a contingency for our homeless community ONLY, who do not have adequate shelter. Support from social agencies will also be available.  People can self-refer and will be asked to register upon arrival. 
• Building inspectors and geotechnical engineers are in place to monitor and inspect existing slips as a result of the August 2022 weather event, including around properties that currently have a red or yellow placard.
• Work sites across the city, including at the St Vincent Street upgrade, Collingwood St and at the Maitai River/Groom Creek are being secured to minimise the impact of heavy rainfall.
• Our Navigator Team are in the process of calling residents with red and yellow placards on their properties due to the August weather event to offer support. We urge anyone affected by the August weather event that needs help to call or email our Navigators on 03 546 0200 / navigator@ncc.govt.nz.
• We are checking in with rural communities like Kokoroa to let them know that we are here to assist, should they need it.
• Sports fields and reserve areas are closed today and will remain closed tomorrow should the rain continue.

Emergency accommodation for homeless community without adequate shelter 

Due to the expected heavy rainfall this evening, and predicted further rainfall overnight, Nelson City Council has arranged emergency accommodation in Unite Church, at 173 Rutherford Street.  

The accommodation will be open from 8pm today, Thursday 4 May, until 9am tomorrow, Friday 5 May. Ongoing accommodation support after this time will be reviewed depending on need and the weather forecast from Friday into the weekend. A decision on this is expected to be made on Friday morning. 

The church will have tea and coffee facilities and some bedding will be available. This facility is open as a contingency for our homeless community ONLY, who do not have adequate shelter. Support from social agencies will also be available. 

People can self-refer and will be asked to register upon arrival. 

What can YOU do to prepare?

• Please keep an eye on weather warnings and prepare accordingly for heavy rainfall.
• Clear gutters and roadside grates at home and business to help keep storm drains clear of debris. This will help prevent areas from flooding during heavy rain.
• Stay off the roads (where possible) to allow easy access for emergency services and first responders, if required.
• Keep an eye on road closures.