17 November 2016

Rain bursts push up Otago river levels

Volatile rainfall patterns and intermittent bursts of heavy rain throughout the Otago region are causing many rivers to rise rapidly. The Pomahaka, Taieri, Manuherikia, and North Otago rivers are all high and are likely to remain so for several days.

The rainfall, which has fallen on top of already-saturated catchments, has prompted a warning from the Otago Regional Council for everyone near rivers in coastal and inland Otago to be vigilant as flows can fluctuate without warning.

Relief from the rain is not expected until later tonight.

The Taieri River is high and is expected to continue to rise until late tonight. Flows will be contained by the river’s flood banks but low-lying unprotected areas adjoining the river downstream of Outram, and between Allanton and Henley could be flooded. Surface runoff could also result in ponding in low lying areas.

The Pomahaka, Manuherikia, and North Otago rivers are also high and rising.
Updates will be provided as required on our Twitter account and our WaterInfo site (water.orc.govt.nz).

More information about river, lake, and groundwater levels is also available at WaterInfo and weather information at www.metservice.com. Information from Otago Civil Defence Emergency Management is at www.otagocdem.govt.nz.

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