Residents of the aptly-named Tidewater Dr at Harwood were told they faced possible evacuation last night, after high tides and gusty winds affected the Otago Peninsula settlement yesterday afternoon.
Police this morning said no evacutation took place after a day of drama yesterday.
A dozen volunteer firefighters worked for five hours to pump tens of thousands of litres of salt water from Harwood sections, as police went door-to-door to talk to affected residents and ascertain damage.
Portobello Chief Fire Officer Bruce Didham said four pumps were used to clear water from properties. Only one house was affected.
Two homes had lost power and Delta was working to restore it, he said.
Long-range forecasts indicated there was a 25% chance of more gusty winds early today, coinciding with high tide.
Andrew Davidson, of HAD Build and Design, was working on his neighbouring property when high tide and strong southerlies caused the flooding shortly before 1pm.
"It is not looking too good," he said.
Senior Constable Lox Kellas, of Portobello, said he had spoken to residents last night to see if they wanted to remain in their homes, with high tide expected shortly after 1am today.
"They seem quite comfortable at this stage, but it all depends on the weather and people are aware of the situation."
Snr Const Kellas said people who had lived in the area for several decades had never experienced flooding like it, which was a combination of low barometric pressure, high tides, and strong southwesterly wind.
Dunedin City Council road maintenance engineer Peter Standring said maintenance crews were called to clear debris, including stones, small rocks, and branches, from affected roads.
