Extensive flooding and severe winds have forced several schools in Christchurch to close, and have left thousands without power this morning.
Orion says around 4600 customers now have no electricity, up from 2000 last night.
"We are assessing the overnight damage before sending crews in to safely carry out repairs," Orion said this morning.
At around 8pm, Orion revealed that high winds were making it difficult for crews to repair parts of its network.
Orion says the Banks Peninsula bore the brunt of the storm which swept across the region yesterday. They face a lengthy cleanup today.
Students are advised to check with their schools if they are open this morning. Shirley Boys High School are among those which has been forced to close.
Dozens of roads have also been closed, with New Brighton Road and Fifield Terrace the main transit routes affected.
Police are advising residents to avoid driving if possible.
Around 50 properties in Christchurch were also affected by flooding overnight, as heavy rain soaked the region.
The Fire Service received 300 callouts after rivers breached banks in places, and told ONE News they worked throughout the night repairing damage.
There has been surface flooding in tidal areas in the Lower Heathcote River, Avon River and Southshore.
The Fire Service advised people if they have water damage to isolate power in their homes.
In Cass Bay, near Lyttelton, winds lifted roofs, brought down trees and damaged property.
In Akaroa, gusts of up to 130kmh damaged boats and roofs in the area.
Christchurch City Council also worked through the night to manage flooding issues in low-lying areas across the city.
The Council contractors monitored the waterways in the upper catchments through the night and assisted residents dealing with flooding in their homes.
Source: TVNZ.co.nz
Be the first to comment