What was described as "a colossal electrical storm" hit the Millers Flat, Ettrick and Roxburgh areas last night, causing flooding and closing the state highway.
The Central Otago storm was accompanied by torrential rain and multiple lightning strikes, sparking calls for help to the police and fire brigades.
Fire units from Millers Flat and Roxburgh responded after the storm hit about 6pm. Power to some homes was understood to have been cut.
Police said there had been calls from the public about flooding on State Highway 8 near Ettrick. Members of the public told police a long stretch - perhaps 2km to 3km - was flooded.
The New Zealand Transport Agency said this morning the road was open between Roxburgh and Ettrick with speed restrictions in place. Drivers were advised to take extra care.
Millers Flat Tavern owner Mark McConway said there was "massive thunder and a massive downpour" of water from the hills behind the tavern.
"Water just came out of nowhere and went right through the basement of the pub and flooded the car park."
Despite the flood there was no damage to the building. "We’re right because the building’s high enough off the ground."
Just before 9pm the fire brigade was still pumping water from his basement.
"We’ve been here six years and I’ve never seen it like this," Mr McConway said.
Millers Flat Holiday Park owner Marise May said the storm was dramatic.
"It was really loud thunder and lightning which was pretty close to us, and very heavy rain over a period of about 30 minutes."
"There was plenty of water everywhere", though there was no damage at the park.
Lower areas at the holiday park had surface flooding, but no campers were in that area.
"It was pretty spectacular all right. It was one of the biggest thunderstorms I’ve seen."
MetService forecaster Sarah Garlick said there were about 50 lightning strikes in Central Otago between 4pm and 6pm.
It recorded 20mm of rain at Millers Flat, Ms Garlick said.
The MetService had predicted a moderate chance of thunderstorms for the area.
