Overnight rain is continuing to fall across Central Otago, leading to surface flooding in a number of areas and a warning from contractors for residents to stay off the roads unless travel is essential.

Fulton Hogan’s Central Otago District Council maintenance department manager Anna Winter said flooding was being reported “across the district,” with Clyde, Alexandra, Lowburn and Pisa Moorings the worst affected at this stage. 

“Please stay off roads if you do not need to be out there," she said. 

Meanwhile, the Otago Regional Council (ORC) is warning residents further north and west to prepare for rising lake and river levels over the coming days, with flooding predicted in parts of Queenstown, Kingston, Glenorchy and Wānaka. 

There is no concern at the ORC about the ability of flood protection schemes in Alexandra to cope with the onslaught.

The entry to Pisa Moorings from State Highway 6, near Cromwell, Thursday, October 23. Images: Facebook

MetService has issued orange-level warnings for both heavy rain and strong winds, forecasting up to 100 millimetres of additional rain at the Otago headwaters throughout the morning, along with northwesterly gusts reaching 130 kilometres an hour in exposed areas. 

ORC’s general manager of science and resilience Tom Dyer said the combination of recent rainfall and more on the way meant lake levels were likely to rise further this week. 

“We’re actively monitoring rivers and lakes across the Queenstown Lakes area throughout the long weekend,” he said.

“People in low-lying areas should be aware of the potential for flooding and take precautions.”

State Hoghway 6 over the Haast Pass is closed due to a slip, while Mount Aspiring Road near Wānaka and Rees Valley Road near Glenorchy are both closed due to flooding.

Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel and low-lying areas, secure loose outdoor items ahead of strong winds, and check drains and gutters to reduce flood risk. 

Motorists are advised to plan ahead by checking the Central App Roads Report or Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency’s live updates.