Media release

Update: high flows for Dunedin urban waterways

Thursday 1 February 2018

With the evolving weather situation, ORC staff have remodelled predictions for the urban waterways in Dunedin City and are now predicting overtopping of parts of the Water of Leith, Lindsay Creek, and Silver Stream mid-afternoon today.

Due to extremely heavy rain, ORC has issued a flood warning for the Water of Leith and Lindsay Creek, with peak flows expected at 3pm today.
 
The Leith is expected to peak at 100 cumecs (cubic metres per second), which may lead to overflow into Leith St (opposite Montgomery Av and near St David Footbridge). The Lindsay Creek is expected to peak at 35 cumecs, which may overflow into North Rd. These are similar flows to July last year.
 
Silver Stream is expected to peak at 188 cumecs at 7pm tonight. Gordon Rd spillway is likely to start to spill over between 3 – 4pm today.
 
Although these flows are similar to those experienced in July 2017, the duration is anticipated to be shorter.
 
Otago Regional Council and Dunedin City Council are working with Otago Civil Defence and Emergency Management to continue monitoring the situation.
 
Stay up-to-date through these channels:
 
 
Further updates will be given via ORC social media channels if necessary; to speak to someone if you have immediate concerns please contact the Regional Council on 0800 474 082. In the event of any threat to your property please call 111.
 
For more information contact:
Dr Gavin Palmer
Director Engineering, Hazards and Science
Otago Regional Council
0800 474 082
gavin.palmer@orc.govt.nz
 
or
 
Sian Sutton
Director Stakeholder Engagement
Otago Regional Council