Severe Thunderstorm warning
Metservice has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for people in the following local areas:
Marlborough, Christchurch and Canterbury Plains
Hurunui, Selwyn and Waimakariri
Darfield, Glentunnel, Hororata, Oxford, Sheffield, Kirwee and Charing Cross.
Cust, Eyrewell Forest and West Eyreton
Oxford, Rangiora, Ashley Forest, Lees Valley
These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by very heavy rain, large hail and damaging wind gusts.
What you need to know:
- Very heavy rain can cause surface and/or flash flooding about streams, gullies and urban areas, and make driving conditions extremely hazardous.
- Large hail can cause significant damage to crops, orchards, vines, glasshouses and vehicles, and make driving conditions hazardous.
- Very strong wind gusts can break branches from trees, damage roofing, and make driving hazardous especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.
The National Emergency Management Agency advises that as storms approach you should:
- Take shelter, preferably indoors away from windows;
- Avoid sheltering under trees, if outside;
- Get back to land, if outdoors on the water;
- Move cars under cover or away from trees;
- Secure any loose objects around your property;
- Check that drains and gutters are clear;
- Be ready to slow down or stop, if driving.
During and after the storm, you should also:
- Beware of fallen trees and power lines;
- Avoid streams and drains as you may be swept away in flash flooding.
Keep up to date with active MetService warnings here.
Poll: Is the increase in disability parking fines fair?
In October, the fine for parking in a designated mobility car park without a permit has jumped from $150 to $750—a 400% increase!
The goal is to keep these spaces open for those who truly need them. Do you think this big increase in the fine is fair? Share your thoughts below.
-
89.3% Yes, it's fair
-
9.8% No, it's unreasonable
-
0.8% Other - I'll share below
Riddle Time! Sharpen Your Mind and Take the Challenge!
Where is the only place where today comes before yesterday?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
House fire causing road closures
Pages Road is closed this afternoon from Breezes Road, this is due to a house that has caught fire in the area.
Coastal Ward Community Board member, Alex Hewison, shared the closure on a local Facebook page.
Fire and Emergency are at the scene but further details have not been shared at this stage.
Avoid the area where possible.