Otago Regional Council (ORC) has issued a caution for coastal and Central Otago as heavy rain and snow are expected from tonight, with flood risks.

“The weather front is still approaching, but forecast snow, rain and rising river levels can change very quickly during the next 24–36 hours with little warning,” said Dr Jean-Luc Payan, ORC’s manager of natural hazards.

Metservice has placed heavy rain warnings on Dunedin and Clutha for 60 mm to 90 mm of rain, and heavy rain watches on North Otago for 20 mm to 40 mm. A heavy snow watch down to about 400 m is in place for Central Otago and inland Dunedin and Clutha, with heavy falls expected on Saturday and easing in the evening under strong southwesterly winds.

Low-lying areas potentially at risk include parts of the Tokomairaro floodplain near Milton, the Lower Taieri floodplain near Henley, sections of the Lower Clutha floodplain and Middlemarch. While

Dunedin’s Water of Leith and Lindsay Creek are not expected to overtop their banks, the Silver Stream near Mosgiel is forecast to peak at about 90 cumecs early Saturday afternoon with no overtopping expected.

The Taieri River at Outram is expected to peak tomorrow evening at about 700 cumecs, likely flooding unprotected areas downstream. The Clutha River at Balclutha could reach around 1,900 cumecs on Sunday morning, putting low-lying areas upstream and unprotected delta lands at risk.

ORC staff and contractors will monitor streams and rivers around the clock over the next 48 hours, inspecting flood banks, drainage assets and pumping stations. Rural communities are advised to

consider moving stock from low lying paddocks and protecting feed stores.

Motorists are being asked to reconsider weekend travel plans, particularly inland of Dunedin, across Central Otago and into Northern Southland, where snowfalls are expected.

For the latest river and stream data, visit ORC’s Environmental at https://www.orc.govt.nz/environment/maps-and-data/environmental-data/ and check Roads conditions on The Central App.