Rivers high in Southland as strong wind watch issued

A high river watch was issued this morning for multiple Southland rivers though the worst of the rain appears to have passed. 

But the unsettled weather is set to continue for the lower South Island tomorrow. 

MetService issued a strong wind watch from 9am to 9pm for coastal areas of Southland including Stewart Island and Clutha, south of Balclutha.

Westerly winds may approach severe gale at times. 

Persistent rain overnight and this morning has led to Environment Southland issuing high water level warnings for some rivers in the area. 

Rivers affected include the Mataura, Oreti, Makarewa, Aparima, Waiau and Waihopai rivers.

Surface flooding had also been reported on SH6 Kingston to Dipton, SH94 Mossburn to Te Anau and SH97 Five Rivers to Mossburn.

Environment Southland said this morning that the rain was easing and it was likely to be a relatively short-lived event.