Council keeps eye on Cyclone Oma

Wednesday 20 February 2019

Council is preparing for the potential arrival of Tropical Cyclone Oma over the next few days. Council's utility staff are doing a pre-storm checking procedure that involves checking culverts, catch pits, stormwater ponds and overland flow paths to ensure they are not blocked.

We have hotspot areas in the District, namely Waihi Beach, Katikati and Te Puke. Council's maintenance teams from Veolia and Westlink will be out and about keeping an eye on things.

Overland flow paths are important to keep clear during heavy rain events in the event that pipes reach fully capacity and stormwater flows overland. Properties on elevated land can be prone to surface flooding with properties at the base of a hill being at risk.

A limited amount of sandbags are available and are provided to the emergency services in the case of potential flooding.

Discharging of stormwater from systems and flooded areas is affected by the tides and the highest risk is when the tides are on red alert which is from today until Monday 25 February.

We encourage property owners/ residents to check their own internal systems to ensure gutters and drainage systems are not blocked. In the event of flooding make sure that you remain safe in doors and refrain from driving around the streets causing increased wave movement.

The MetService remains unsure about the direction Cyclone Oma will take and does not expect to have a clear indication until tomorrow (Thursday.).