The Dunedin City Council has not had to deal with any major issues from heavy rain so far, saying it will closely monitor the situation over night.
It said about 44mm of rain had been recorded in Dunedin to 7pm this evening.
Before nightfall the DCC had decided not to evacuate low-lying areas as rain continues in Dunedin but will be monitoring the situation as it unfolds.
Earlier this afternoon Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull said if an evacuation looked likely, the council wanted to activate that before dark.
A spokesman said at 4.45pm a decision had been made not to evacuate.
"In terms of evacuations at this stage we're not evacuating anyone.''
Instead those worried about the situation could "self-evacuate''.
The council had people on the street in South Dunedin and Mosgiel door-knocking to make sure people were okay.
The next MetService weather warning was due at 9pm.
There was a lot of rain forecast, but still no certainty about its intensity.
If anyone needed emergency accommodation they could get in touch with the council.
Highcliff Rd from Camp Rd to just above Portobello Rd would be closed from 6pm for safety reasons, and would be closed overnight.
All sportsgrounds and freedom camping sites were closed.
Sandbags could be picked up at Opoho sportsground in Warden St, behind the St Clair Tennis Club in Victoria Rd, at the Memorial Park car park in Mosgiel, and the Tomahawk Lagoon outlet at Ocean Grove.
The Council asked residents to bring a shovel.
Council teams are filling sandbags in four locations around the city in case flooding strikes overnight.
The Dunedin City Council has set up three information centres for those affected by floods.
The centres will also potentially be used as welfare centres if the need develops.
They will open at 6pm and are located at: Caledonian Gymnasium, 265 Andersons Bay Road, South Dunedin, George Street Normal School hall, 989 George Street, North Dunedin, and Mosgiel Memorial park gymnasium in Gordon Rd.
While the council says there is ``much uncertainty'' about how intense the rain will be, the latest information from MetService was a significant amount of rain was still forecast for the next 24 hours.
Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull and civil defence controller Ruth Stokes held a press conference this afternoon.
Mr Cull said given the forecast "were preparing for the worst, but hoping for the best''.
"Our main concern will always be the safety of people.''
Teams were filling sand bags at Mosgiel, Tomahawk, South Dunedin and Opoho.
The council had been in touch with the Defence Force in case it was needed.
Any warnings would go through multiple media platforms.
A Southern DHB spokeswoman said an emergency operations centre has been opened at Dunedin Hospital because of the adverse weather conditions in the city.
"At this stage there has been no impact on our operations."
Earlier today the Dunedin City Council activated its Emergency Operations Centre and encouraged residents in low-lying areas to make plans to get out of their homes if forecast heavy rain causes flooding.
Council civil defence controller Ruth Stokes said measures were being put in place ahead of anticipated flooding expected in the city later today and overnight.
Mrs Stokes said the most up-to-date severe weather warning issued by the MetService this morning forecast periods of heavy rain until early Thursday morning.
In the 27 hours from 9am today to midday Thursday, 100mm to 120mm was forecast to accumulate on top of what has already fallen, with maximum rainfall rates of 15mm an hour.
The volume and intensity of the rain forecast was expected to cause flooding issues throughout the city, particularly in low-lying areas in South Dunedin, Kaikorai Valley and Mosgiel. There were also likely to be issues in areas of North Dunedin.
Mrs Stokes said the heaviest rain was expected in the early hours overnight from about midnight to 2am.
"We are therefore encouraging residents in those low-lying areas who feel concerned to make plans now to self-evacuate themselves to stay with friends or family who live on higher ground if required.
"People should check on neighbours, particularly if they are vulnerable.
"We are also looking to set up evacuation/welfare centres for anyone who potentially needs somewhere to stay tonight and/or more information.''
More information about those would be made available once locations were confirmed.
The EOC was activated at 11am today to monitor rainfall and provide a co-ordinated response. Personnel from key agencies were working together to co-ordinate the response and use resources efficiently.
A state of emergency had not been declared at this stage, and there were no major issues related to heavy rain.
Teams would be out today working to clear debris from mud tank grates and gutters to allow water to flow.
A couple of minor slips on Portobello Rd were cleared this morning.
The storm water system was currently working well, screens were clear and all pumps were available.
Rubbish collection was running as normal this morning, but the CBD's rubbish collection was cancelled for Wednesday night. Residents were told bins and bags should not be left out overnight tonight.
"We will assess the situation in the morning, but at this stage we are planning to collect rubbish and recycling as normal. If your street is flooded in the morning please do not put your bins and bags out.''
All freedom camping area sites were closed until further notice. Campers are advised to find alternative an accommodation site tonight.
People could prepare by:
• Checking spoutings and drainage channels for blockages and clear them if necessary.
• If your basement is prone to flooding, lift items that could be damaged by water off the floor.
• Be sure garden sprays and other chemicals won't be affected.
• Checking grates near your house for blockages and keep them clear of leaves and other debris to avoid water building up and affecting your property.
The public could keep up to date through the DCC website, DCC social media, radio and other media.
