Heavy rain in Otago overnight has seen the Kakanui and Shag Rivers rise quickly to flood alert levels and other rivers approaching them.

The coastal hills of North Otago have had up to 80mm of rain since 10pm last night and a further 80mm to 100mm is expected there today, which is likely to cause the Kakanui and Shag Rivers to rise further.

ORC flood managers are monitoring the Taieri River at Tiroiti, Outram, and Silverstream, where river levels are rising.

Dunedin, which had heavy rain overnight, is expected to receive a further 40 to 60mm today.

MetService expects the rain to continue for much of the day before easing overnight and clearing early tomorrow morning.

People are advised to watch out for rapidly rising streams and rivers, surface flooding, slips, and hazardous driving conditions.

ORC flood managers are continuously monitoring rainfall levels. We will issue flood alerts and updates as necessary through Twitter, Facebook, and our website www.orc.govt.nz.

For further information contact

ORC duty flood manager
Ph. 0274 723729