Latest updates from around the region as heavy rain continues to fall, with North Otago still bearing the brunt of the deluge.
North Otago
Summary
Rescue teams helped by soldiers and two Unimogs have reached properties cut off by floodwaters.
The public advised to avoid non urgent travel as many roads across remain impassable.
All people on rural water supplies are advised to continue to conserve water.
Rivers
All river levels are high but slowly decresing.
Roads
Motorists are advised to avoid travelling in all areas. If driving, they must drive to the conditions and be alert to surface flooding on roads throughout the District.
Drivers are asked to drive slowly as wave action will wash water into roadside properties.
The Kakanui Bridge is now open.
The Maheno Bridge is now open.
Big Kuri Creek Bridge has been assessed for damage and cleared to re-open.
Kurow Creek Bridge is now closed.
The following state highways are affected by surface flooding:
Closed: State Highway 1 north of Oamaru si closed at Pukeuri (detour in place using SH82 and SH83); SH1 between Pukeuri and Waitaki Bridge.
Caution: SH 83 Pukeuri To Kurow; SH82 Waimate To Kurow
Many local roads are now closed because of surface flooding at this time - a full list can be found at www.waitaki.govt.nz
Water Supply
All rural water supply users are to conserve water as heavy rain has compromised water quality.
The following water supplies have been shut down due to flooded intakes: Awamoko, Dunback, Hampden, Moeraki, Herbert, Waianakarua, Kauru Hill, Lower Waitaki, Goodwood & Windsor.
Schools and kindergartens
No school buses today, including the town bus.
All kindergartens are closed today.
Waitaki Boys High, Waitaki Girls High, St Kevins College and East Otago High are closed today.
Westmount School, Papakaio School, Maheno School and Five Forks School closed.
No confirmation yet on other rural schools but most are expected to be closed.
All Oamaru primary schools are open.
Oamaru Intermediate and Kakanui School opening from 10.00 am for town students only.
Dunedin-Taieri
The Silver Stream and Taieri rivers are steady, but a high risk of flooding remains.
Timaru
Timaru District Council Emergency Operations Centre says there has been extensive overnight rain leading to surface flooding.
Several roads have been closed in the Levels, Arowhenua, Milford/Clandeboye, Rosewill and Washdyke areas.
The Temuka River has risen, causing some flooding in the Arowhenua area. Further rain is expected today.
Extreme caution when travelling is advised, and all unnecessary travel in these areas should be avoided.
All residents in low-lying areas are strongly advised to monitor the situation closely and be prepared to move if necessary.
All schools in Temuka and Pleasant Point are closed. Rural school bus services are not operating today. All other schools are open at this stage.
