Heavy rain has put paid to the Omakau Trots, with the event cancelled due to surface flooding. 

An event spokesperson told The Central App the carpark and surface is too wet to go ahead. 

They said more officials will inspect the racecourse today, but it is a blow to the small regional club. 

Residents of Naseby have been given a Conserve Water Notice, as rain impacts on the town's drinking water source.

A Conserve Water Notice has been issued for Naseby by the Central Otago District Council.

MetService issued several severe weather warnings over the last few days, with heavy rain effecting Otago. 

Significant rainfall for southern areas of the South Island, with locally heavy rain about northern and central areas of the North Island. 

According to MetService, a low lying slow moving west of the South Island is expected to direct easterlies and rain over southern areas tonight and Saturday, the heaviest rain is expected about eastern Otago and a Warning remains in force. 

“Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous,” a MetService statement said. 

“The warning remains in force until 12am (midnight) Sunday and people are told to expect a further 90 to 130mm of rain to accumulate on top of what has already fallen. Peak intensities of 10 to 15 mm/h from Saturday morning until evening.” 

Several crashes have been reported across the region and Police warn drivers to slow down and drive to the conditions. 

More weather updates will be published as they come.