Construction work on a section of the Manuka Gorge, on State Highway 8 between Milton and Lawrence, was delayed yesterday when the swollen Manuka Stream washed away the diversion contractors had put in place.
After three days of heavy rain, which has caused widespread flooding and disruption throughout North Otago, Dunedin and the Taieri Plain, Civil Defence is now bracing for a cold snap and snow.
Latest updates from the South as heavy rain drenches the region.
North Otago battened down yesterday as it faces the threat of torrential rain overnight and over the next two days.
Photos of the flooding contributed by readers.
Officials were keeping a weather eye on water levels around Dunedin and the Taieri Plain last night as heavy rain continued to fall.
Dunedin City Council stormwater pumps are showing the stress of operating non-stop for more than 48-hours.
University of Otago students "looking for the next wave" took to the raging Water of Leith on their boards in Dunedin yesterday.
Simon Badger (22) told the Otago Daily Times he and five others used a rope tied to the Leith embankment to surf a wave breaking over a raised section of the concrete watercourse, underneath the Forth St bridge.
The Orwell Street Chapel kitchen geared up yesterday to make soup and cheese rolls for flood victims and volunteers.
Latest updates from around the region as heavy rain continues to fall, with North Otago still bearing the brunt of the deluge.
The flood risk remains high in coastal Otago, thanks to persistant rain which has saturated the ground, the Otago Regional Council says.
Heavy rains over the east coast of the South Island rapidly swelled many rivers yesterday including Dunedin's Water of Leith, which turned from a gentle stream to a raging torrent in 12 hours.
Coastal and North Otago residents have been warned to brace themselves for more flooding.
River levels remained volatile around eastern Otago last night as heavy rain continued to fall.
Flooding in North Otago has forced the Waitaki District Council to postpone today's council meeting , which was to make final decisions on the rates for the next financial year, and given more time for ratepayers to pay their rates bills.
