Heavy rain for the south of the South Island

A slow moving front is expected to bring further heavy rain to the southeast of the South Island. The duration and the amounts are very unusual and major impacts are already being felt in North Otago, Dunedin and coastal Clutha. A RED Warning is in force for those areas. The rain is expected to ease late Friday evening.

Rain is expected to continue in Southland for much of today and a Watch for heavy rain is in force there.

Please keep up to date with the latest forecasts in case changes are made.

Area: North Otago, Dunedin and coastal Clutha

Period: 14hrs from 9am - 11pm Fri, 4 Oct

Forecast: Expect 40 to 60 mm of rain, on top of what already has fallen, with the heaviest falls about the eastern hills. Peak rates of 8 to 15 mm/h. The heavy rain has already caused major impacts and these are likely to continue until the rain eases late this evening.

Impact: Threat to life from dangerous river conditions, significant flooding and slips. Conditions will disrupt travel, make some roads impassable, and isolate communities.

Action: Do not enter floodwaters and avoid travel. Act quickly to self-evacuate if you see rising water. Be ready for power and communications outages. Preparedness advice.

Issued: 9:16am Fri, 4 Oct
Next update: 9pm Fri, 4 Oct
Action advice supplied by the National Emergency Management Agency.