Heavy rain has impacted central and southwest New Zealand today, causing flooding in Wellington, an “active” slip in Greymouth and closing the main road between Nelson and Blenheim for several hours.
It’s been a tricky morning for motorists north of Wellington after heavy rain caused some flooding. (Source: 1News)
MetService said it was a “wet start” to the week for parts of the country, urging drivers to take care on the roads with the risk of surface flooding.
A number of roads were affected and people were encouraged to work from home if they could.
Amid the downpours, a passenger train travelling from Waikanae to Wellington “clipped debris” beside the line at about 7.15am, Metlink said: “There are no injuries, and the train is undamaged.
“The debris had overflown from catchment netting on slopes beside the track. The area is well known for slips and the netting was cleared yesterday in anticipation of today’s bad weather.”
KiwiRail staff were at the site clearing debris this morning.
The train was carrying 59 passengers, Metlink said.
“After clipping the debris, the driver stopped the train and drove it back to Paekākāriki Station.
“Passengers disembarked at Paekākāriki and were advised to find alternative transport.
“There was limited availability of buses to replace trains during the morning peak as most were in service, so we are grateful for our passengers’ patience.”
The Kapiti train line reopened as of 4pm, but KiwiRail noted it will take longer for the normal timetable to resume.
“Today, KiwiRail’s track teams worked hard clearing debris and unblocking culverts.
“Given the forecast for ongoing bad weather tonight, Temporary Speed Restrictions have been put in place at key sites on the rail network to ensure safety.
“Metlink will aim to run rail services to Waikanae as soon as possible now the line has reopened.”
Meanwhile, a Judgeford Golf Club spokesperson confirmed to 1News that the course near Whitby suffered from flooding.
Mark Williams, the club’s vice president, said one of the club’s two bridges is completely underwater.
One of their staff members was onsite and couldn’t get out, he added.
Until the rain stops, other staff members couldn’t get access to assess the damage, he said.
Naenae residents disrupted by flooding
Lower Hutt resident Robert Dawson told 1News he couldn’t make a doctor’s appointment this morning to get pain relief because Strand Crescent in Naenae was flooded.
He said surface flooding occurs on his street every year and said residents “all get used to it, you just learn to live with it”.
“It does need fixing, you shouldn’t have to live like this.”
Dawson also said his grandson couldn’t get to school today.
Across the road from Dawson, Ceri Burke said she hoped her car hadn’t sustained water damage after it was parked in the flooded street overnight.
“We’ve got to wait and see. We’re a bit worried about the engine cause it was in the water for, well, we don’t know how long.”
She said she walked through surface flooding this morning to move her car up the road out of the water.
“First time it’s ever been like this, it was crazy this morning. It was up to our legs.”
Burke said she was getting ready for work when she realised what had happened to her street and contacted her employer to say she wouldn’t be able to make it.
“Not your normal Monday morning.”
MetService issued a number of severe weather warnings and watches for the region.
Orange heavy rain warnings are in place for the Tararua Range until 8pm today and for the Kapiti Coast, also Wellington north of Ngauranga Gorge until 6pm today. Thunderstorms are possible in both places, the forecaster warned.
“Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.
“Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.”
A heavy rain watch is in place for Horowhenua until 6pm today.
NIWA Weather said on X: “It’s been a wet start for the lower North Island.
“Our Upper Hutt climate station recorded 30mm of rain in just two hours (5-7am).
“Rain is forecast to end by afternoon.
“Risk for more rain will emerge tonight and tomorrow for (mainly) western and northern parts of both islands.”
Slip blocks access to 50 homes in Greymouth
Meanwhile in Greymouth, an “active” slip has blocked access to over 50 homes in Arnott Heights, and is still on the move this afternoon.
Mayor Tania Gibson says “It’s still raining here, and it’s not looking likely it will be safe to open the road to the area of Arnott Heights today.”
She says no homes are currently at risk, but the situation is being monitored closely by engineers.
Helicopters are on standby if there’s any need to evacuate people, or provide emergency supplies.
No homes are currently at risk but the situation is being monitored closely by engineers. (Source: Supplied)
On Facebook, Grey District Council said there have been no reports of personal injury, or damage to nearby properties has been minimal.
However, they urge people to stay away from the site.
“The slip needs to settle before a full assessment can be carried out to confirm the extent of the damage, and what will be required to restore the site.
“It is still a very active situation and for staff and public safety, we need to wait until the hill stops moving before we can work to fully clear the area.
“Residents on Arnott Heights may experience a power outage later this afternoon, but this should be restored quickly.”
Rough weather in other areas
An orange heavy rain warning is also in place for Mount Taranaki until 10am tomorrow.
“Expect 150 to 200mm of rain,” MetService said. “Peak rates of 15 to 25mm/h with possible thunderstorms.”
A heavy rain watch was in place for the rest of Taranaki from midday today to midday tomorrow.
And the South Island’s Buller District was under a heavy rain watch from 4am tomorrow to midnight tomorrow.