Homes and businesses flooded
Grey District Council staff and contractors have been assessing damage following a cloudburst between 2 and 4am today.
There was flooding through parts of Greymouth, Blaketown, Dobson, Cobden, Kaiata, Runanga, and Taylorville. There was a significant localised cloudburst, thunder, lighting and heavy rain. This resulted in our stormwater systems being overwhelmed and significant flooding of streets.
Staff and contractors were out from 2.30am, and teams have been cleaning up since first light.
We have received reports of multiple businesses, cars, and some homes which flooded.
In Greymouth, water came down off hillside streets including Freyberg Terrace, Puketahi and Mount Street, then into the CBD and through to the Leonard, Williams, Boundary, and Arney Street areas. It left gravel and debris in its wake.
Cobden was impacted, with many roads affected. Range Creek also left its banks on Bright Street, and the lower part of the street was closed for a time. There was a slip on Taylorville Road.
Other area affected included Blaketown, Taylorville, Runanga, Dunollie, Kaiata, and Dobson.
The stormwater pumps were checked and all were working. However, the volume of water was well in excess of pump capacity.
Any floodwaters should be considered contaminated.
Affected residents and businesses are asked to contact their insurers. If you have had water through your property, please contact Council too.
McLeans Pit was closed this morning due to flooding on the access road. However, collection trucks were able to safely get through to begin the Grey Valley kerbside servicing.
Mayor Tania Gibson thanked people for their patience as contractors worked through the clean-up.
“We know many people have been impacted by this isolated, but damaging event.
“If you are out and about, watch for slippery footpaths and roads. Crews will be working throughout the weekend as the clean-up progresses. We only have so many resources and they are going as fast as they can, with many working through the night.”
