Update on forecast heavy rains in Otago

Otago Regional Council staff will be keeping a close watch on rainfall and river levels overnight.

This morning MetService upgraded the severe weather watch into a warning. Heavy rain is forecast for the whole region.

The heaviest rain is expected in the Otago headwaters (Southern Alps area). Heavy rain is also expected in the central and coastal parts of the region including the Dunedin City area.

The predicted rainfall intensity could cause rivers to rise rapidly. Localised flooding could also occur in low-lying areas. The heavy rains could also trigger sediment runoff, particularly in the Queenstown Lake District area.

MetService have also issued a severe weather watch for severe gales for Eastern Otago on Thursday; the combination of strong winds and high tide could cause coastal inundation along the Otago coast.

Civil Defence and Emergency Management Otago are also monitoring the situation. Updates will be posted on Otago Regional Council and Emergency Management Otago social media.

River levels and rainfall are also shown on our WaterInfo page, www.orc.govt.nz/waterinfo

© Scoop Media