Rain has continued to fall in Central Otago, with reports of surface flooding, closed roads and washouts right across the region. 

Maniototo residents have reported multiple closed roads and washouts, while locals from Omakau, Clyde and Alexandra are reporting localised surface flooding. 

Locals took the chance to enjoy some urban paddle boarding in Fir Close, Alexandra. Photo Nigel Ellett/Facebook. 

According to the Otago Regional Council river monitoring website, the Manuherekia River flow rate at Chatto Creek has gone from 1.3 cumecs per second to 29.373 cumecs in just 24 hours. 

Maniototo farmers were pleased for the rain this morning, however after 90mm in 24 hours now they are concerned about the clean up tomorrow. Fences are down and rain running off the hills have caused road surface flooding throughout the area.

Ida Valley back Road had 90mm of rain in the last 24 hours causing flooding in the area.

Holidaymakers have reportedly packed up and roads busy with motorists departing the region. 

Omakau was inundated with surface flooding. Sara Miller Anderson/Facebook. 

According to Fulton Hogan, the following roads have been impacted:

• Danseys Pass Road is CLOSED from the Kyeburn River Road intersection to the summit 
• Scotts Lane – CLOSED (Kyeburn River Rd to Swinburn Back Road)
• Duffy Lane - CLOSED
• Patearoa Township Bridge – CLOSED, detour available via Aitken Road and McSkimming Road.
• Kokonga Road - CLOSED
• Auripo Road - CLOSED (Boundary to Thurlow Rd)
• Naseby Link Road – CLOSED
• Naseby Gimmerburn Road – CLOSED from SH85 – Fennessy Rod
• Old Dunstan Road – CLOSED (gates are locked on the Dunedin Side, CODC will remain unlocked however road is closed)
• Strode Road (Earnscleugh) – CLOSED
• Laing Road – CLOSED (Fraser River crossing)
• Fraser Road – CLOSED (Fraser River crossing)
• O’Neil Road –between Pigburn and Ranfurly Patearoa Roads – Caution advised, washouts and flooding
• Waipiata Patearoa Rd – Caution advised, washouts and flooding
• Ida Valley Omakau Road – Caution advised extensive surface flooding from Auripo Road to Oturehua township
• Churnside Terrace – CAUTION bridge approach damage – will be looking to closed this overnight

Pubs remained open despite flooding. Photo Tony Spence Davis/Facebook. 

One Clyde resident said streets had surface flooding in multiple areas. 

Motorists in the Cromwell Gorge also reported rocks falling beside the road, while SH8 through Cromwell was at a standstill at one point. 

The Gate Lake Dunstan Triathlon and Duathlon and The Cromwell Wine and Food Festival have both been cancelled, while the The Omakau Trots was also called off. 

Surface flooding is still being reported across the district, please remember to reduce your speeds and drive to the conditions.

Keep updated via the Road reports on The Central App.

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