Spring Creek evacuation remains overnight

Marlborough Emergency Management has made the decision to not allow Spring Creek residents to return tonight as the Wairau River's peak flow is predicted for 5pm tonight.

Incident Controller Richard MacNamara said the Wairau River was expected to peak at just over 4000 cumecs by 5pm this afternoon which is the evacuation trigger for affected streets in Spring Creek.

The evacuation order for affected streets in Spring Creek township will remain in place overnight.

“This is what the modelling had suggested and what we have based our decision making on and it has proven to be the case.

"This situation is still very dynamic and we need to follow the evacuation protocol set for the safety of our community,” he said.

Elsewhere across Marlborough, the Awatere River’s water level at the Council measuring site at Awapiri has reached 100-year flood levels, while the Pelorus has burst its banks.

The Orange Heavy Rain Warning issued by MetService New Zealand is still in place for Marlborough, through to 3pm today Friday 27 June.

Emergency Minister visit

Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor and Minister for Emergency Management and Response Mark Mitchell visited Spring Creek township this morning to see firsthand the effects of heavy rain which has been falling since last night.

Mayor Taylor said the continuing rain and the presence of flood waters across the province showed the importance of “being prepared”.

“We have planned for this scenario and we have held community meetings where we have shared our planning with Spring Creek residents.

“Marlborough Emergency Management set wheels in motion early to evacuate residents in the community of Spring Creek due to the concern about the compromised stop bank. We really appreciate the cooperation of all those concerned. We have taken the necessary decisions to keep our community safe. Minister Mitchell reinforced to me the value of this decision making,” Mayor Taylor said.

Roads:

NZTA says with heavy rain affecting the top of the South Island overnight, and continuing to fall this morning, road crews are attending multiple incidents on state highways across the region.

Flooding has closed State Highway 63 in Renwick between Anglesea Street and Inkerman Street. Local road detours are available, and drivers can expect delays.

System manager Wayne Oldfield said surface flooding had also been reported at multiple sites.

The region has already received significant rainfall especially about the ranges with 265mm received at Rai Falls and many other areas around the district receiving more than 100mm. Blenheim has had 75mm. MetService New Zealand has forecast a further 20-50mm of rain to come in some parts of the region today.

“This includes State Highway 6 at Havelock, State Highway 63 in the Wairau Valley, and State Highway 1 near Koromiko.”

“These sections of highway are currently open, but driving conditions are challenging. While the rain continues to fall, drivers must be prepared for road hazards and the possibility of road closures,” Wayne says.

Marlborough Roads advises road users to avoid travel if possible. If people are needing to travel, please drive with caution and to the conditions. Updated roading information as follows:

• The closure of SH6 is now between Havelock and Hira.
• Queen Charlotte Drive is closed at the Havelock end due to flooding on the causeway.
• Ronga Road is closed from the SH6 intersection, closing access to French Pass and Tennyson Inlet.
• The closure on New Renwick Road is now between Fairhall School and Dog Point Road.
• There is extensive flooding in the Canvastown, Wakamarina area, caution is advised.
• The Jacksons Road Ford is closed.
• There is flooding on SH1 at the Awatere River Bridge, prior to Seddon, drive with caution.
• All Spring Creek roads are closed from SH1 through to the corner of Thomas and Neils Road.
• SH63 from Anglesea Street to St Arnaud remains closed.

A word from Spring Creek

Ian Wiffin from Spring Creek Vinters this morning said the Council has been telling them that the 4,000m3/sec number was where concern kicked in.

"With the damage from that last [2021 record] flood, Council has been telling us that the critical number for the stop banks in their current state is around 4,000m3/sec but I understand we’d all rather be safe than sorry with the early evacuation.

He says they put internal systems in place to work above a certain Wairau River level to mitigate any potential risks, so when he heard Spring Creek was having evacuations their policies kicked into effect with preparations last night.

“We told our staff not to come in today as our main entrance is off one of those roads and staff safety is paramount.

“Minor flooding for us isn’t the end of the world for us - all the wine tanks are sealed tightly and any water sensitive equipment is up at high points on the property.

“Having spoken with the Council around the remedial stop bank work, they’ve been good with keeping us informed around what’s happening even though it’s been frustrating for all with delays in funding but I understand they’ll be starting works this summer.”

Sewer network overloaded:

Marlborough District Council advises some parts of the Blenheim sewer network are overloaded. Currently affected areas are Dillon Street, Leefield Street, Houldsworth Street, Muller Road and Stuart Street.

Residents should note the following:

• Do not flush toilets unless necessary
• Limit water use
• Be aware there is raw sewerage present
• Stay out of flood water which may be contaminated
• Please practice good hygiene.

With stormwater systems still running at capacity, Council has also advised people not to go near any flood waters in the region due to risk of contamination and to boil water if they are concerned. Some Blenheim residents may find their toilets are slow to flush.

For public health information on what to do during a flood, visit https://info.health.nz/keeping-healthy/protecting-health-natural-disaster/floods-and-health