Rainfall is continuing to bring high river levels in North and South Otago causing surface flooding in adjacent low-lying areas. People are advised to watch out for surface flooding, slips, and hazardous driving conditions.

North Otago
The Kakanui River at Clifton Falls is high (140 cumecs at 3:30pm) and rising rapidly. The river peaked at 550 cumecs 10 days ago (Good Friday), resulting in many road closures throughout the catchment, including State Highway 1 at Maheno.

The Shag River at The Grange is also high (56 cumecs at 3pm) and rising steadily. The river peaked at 271 cumecs on Good Friday.

Elsewhere, persistent rainfall across the North Otago coastal area is causing surface flooding and the Waitaki District Council has closed several roads.

There has been 45mm of rain at Oamaru since early this morning. MetService expect that rainfall will start to ease after 5pm this evening, and finish after about 8pm.

South Otago
The Pomahaka River is high (95 cumecs at 3pm) but expected to stabilise over the evening. Some surface flooding may occur on low-lying areas.

Dunedin streams
The Water of Leith has stabilised and flows are lowering as the rain recedes.

Farmers and residents in flood-prone areas are advised to keep up to date with river and rainfall information through the ORC water info webpage: www.orc.govt.nz/waterinfo or by phoning 0800 426 463.

ORC flood managers are continuously monitoring rainfall and river levels. Flood alerts and updates will be issued as new information develops through Twitter, Facebook, and our website www.orc.govt.nz.

Media enquiries contact

ORC duty flood manager - Ph.0800 474 082