Flood warnings for South Island

Photo / Daily Post

Flood warnings are in place across the South Island as heavy rain from the weekend swells rivers and close roads.

The Mataura River at Gore is expected to peak this morning, Environment Southland said.

The council's duty flood-warning officer Rachel Webster said the peak had been predicted to arrive at about 8am, but the river level was at 2.5 metres above normal and was still rising slowly at 8.30am.

The Makarewa River peak passed through Tussock Creek last night and Counsell Road at 1.30am, reaching a height of 4 metres above normal, which was slightly lower than predicted, Ms Webster said.

Although the province was largely dry overnight, more rain is forecast and Environment Southland's flood-warning team will remain on duty through the day.

The council urged motorists to be aware of the risk of surface flooding on roads and said farmers adjacent to the Mataura River below Gore should consider what effect the flooding would have on their property.

The AA's road watch website said Waiarikiki Rd and Winding Creek Rd in Waikaia, Riversdale-Waikaia Rd and Pyramid-Waiparu Rd in Riversdale in southland, and Lake Ohau Rd in North Otago were all closed due to flooding. Several other roads in the Southland region had surface flooding and caution is advised. State Highway 6 between Harihari and Haast has reopened following flooding yesterday.

MetService severe weather warnings for Manawatu, Wairarapa and Wellington have been dropped as heavy rain around the Tararua Range has eased overnight. A severe weather watch is in place for Taranaki moderate to heavy falls are expected later in the day.

- NZHERALD STAFF