A section of an Otago highway is to remain closed overnight because of flooding as strong winds and more heavy rain are forecast for some areas.
State Highway 90 between Tapanui and Waikoikoi is closed due to flooding and a detour is in place.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) said other highways in the region may be down to one lane or partially blocked, and people should take note of signage and take care where there is water on the road.
Much of Otago and Southland copped a drenching on Saturday and into Sunday, leading to slips and surface flooding in some areas.
Central Otago residents in Naseby and Omakau have been told to conserve water because the treatment plants are unable to produce a clean supply after heavy rain.
The Dunedin City Council website shows a section of Old Brighton Rd as being closed owing to flooding.
The Clutha District Council this afternoon said surface flooding levels were dropping and rainfall was easing.
However, roads were closed and flood warning signs were in place in several areas, and motorists were urged to drive to the conditions.
Toko Mouth Rd is closed from Tokoiti School to Elliotvale Rd, Butts Rd is closed, Elliotvale Rd is closed between Blackbridge Rd and Toko Mouth Rd. and Greenvale Rd is closed and the gates are closed.
Wooded Hill Rd (including Kelso), Pomahaka Rd and MacFarlane Rd have flooding signs in place.
MetService this morning issued an orange heavy rain warning for the headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers for Monday, from noon to 8pm.
The forecaster says to expect 60 to 80mm of rain about the main divide, and 50 to 60mm within 15km further east. Peak rates of 10 to 20mm/h are expected about the divide, and the snow level is about 1800 metres.
There is also a strong wind watch for the Queenstown Lakes District, Central Otago, Clutha District north of Tapanui and Southland north of Riversdale, for nine hours from 11am to 8pm on Monday.
MetService says northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.
The unsettled weather looks set to continue on Tuesday, with more rain and snow possible down to 600 metres in the South.
There is better news from midweek, when the sun is expected to come out and temperatures look set to climb into the early 20s for most parts of Otago.
- Allied Media
