Get ready for heavy rain, strong winds

Residents are encouraged to prepare for rain and strong winds as Christchurch and Banks Peninsula catches the tail of cyclone Gabrielle from tomorrow.

Forecasts suggest the main rain period is expected Wednesday and Thursday with totals of 30 to 50 mm expected over the city during this time, 50 to 75 mm for west parts of Port Hills, and the highest totals of 100 to 150 mm for south parts of Banks Peninsula.

Strong winds are also expected to accompany the rain on Port Hills and Banks Peninsula, with wind gusts of 80 + km/h in some areas.   

“We’re taking the usual precautions such as checking and clearing stormwater grates and making checks of our stormwater network ahead of the expected wet weather.

“We will have staff and contractors ready to respond to any issues that might arise,” Local Civil Defence Controller Mary Richardson says.

“If you know there are leaves blocking sumps or drains by your property, it would help us if you could remove them, and put them in your green wheelie bin.”

We will provide updated information as it comes to hand.