May 16, 2024

By Yashas Srinivasa

The cost of the damage caused by the severe hailstorm which hit Timaru Tuesday morning is still too high. Flooding has left affected businesses and homeowners to clean up the mess.

Heavy hail fell for several minutes across the entire region, blocking drains and gutters and causing floods.

Tim Grafton, of the Insurance Council of NZ said on Tuesday that it is too early to determine the extent and cost of this hailstorm.

As retailers prepare for Christmas, one of their busiest periods of the year, the weather also struck.

Stephen Doran, Communications and Engagement Manager at the Timaru District Council said that seven residents called to report flooding.

Doran explained that the high-intensity rainfall caused surface ponding along some roads, and overland flow pathways.

We expect the area to be cleared as soon as the rain stops. Teams are working in the affected areas right now.

Flooding forced Miss Timaru, a women’s fashion store in Timaru CBD to shut down for the day. Staff were busy cleaning it up.

The business was expected to reopen Wednesday.

The Grosvenor Hotel on Cains Terrace also announced that the hailstorm and heavy rains had severely damaged its kitchen. Both the restaurant and bar would close for the rest of the day in order to evaluate the damages.

Morgans Rd Food Market was also shut down for 2 hours due to flooding. On George St the Muffler and Auto Shop and the gym located across from Timaru Train Station had no power.

Muffler and Auto Shop Manager Grant Toomey stated that the roof and gutter of the business had leaked. One vehicle was hoisted from the ground in order to prevent it being flooded.

The garage was also emptied of some vehicles.

NetCon technicians were on the scene to try to restore the power.

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