Flooding

Police have been called after an attempt to sabotage the workings of the flood protection scheme near Outram early this morning.

Heavy rain has led to mass cancellation of games and practices in various sports in Dunedin, and weekend sport could also be in doubt.

Flood-stricken North Otago is bracing for a cold snap which is expected to bring snow to 300m this evening.

The next few hours could be crucial for the sodden South, as civil defence authorities nervously eye swollen rivers to gauge the effect of high tide.

State Highway One south of Oamaru has opened for the first time in two days as flood waters recede.

Key highways are open and river levels are dropping as the wet weather eases in the South.

The extent of the damage across flood-stricken Otago is starting to become apparent as swollen rivers fall and surface flooding recedes.

The total clean-up cost for flood-stricken Otago will not be known for "days if not weeks" but is likely to be in the millions.

About 830 consumers on three North Otago rural water schemes remain without water because of flooding caused by torrential rain last week.

Taieri dairy farmers affected by flooding could each face costs of up $60,000 for alternative winter grazing.

Saving the goldfish was a priority for Kristine Hooper on the night Henley flooded, but she said coming home yesterday and seeing her recently renovated 150-year-old cottage surrounded by floodwater was cause for greater anxiety.

Most roads in the Clutha district were open again yesterday, but Clutha District Council staff said it could be months before the cost of the damage caused by the flooding was known.

"It came quickly and left just as fast," Waitaki Civil Defence spokesman Scott Ridley said yesterday, as floodwaters disappeared across the district.

The Walker family's back yard in Queen St, Milton, was completely underwater yesterday.

Central American authorities say at least 83 people have been killed in flooding and landslides associated with the region's first tropical storm of the year.

Flood conditions are easing in some coastal Otago areas as rainfall eases but State Highway 1 south of Milton will be closed until at least tomorrow and the Taieri River is continuing to rise.

Persistent overnight rain has caused landslides, rising rivers and flooded roads across Coastal Otago.

It was business as usual at Five Forks School yesterday as children swapped tales about enjoying the novelty of two days at home.