UPDATE: 6 October, 11.10am – SH90 reopened after flooding closure

State Highway 90 between Tapanui and Waikoikoi in Otago has reopened this morning after a closure yesterday because of flooding.

Road users are encouraged to drive with caution while heavy rain continues in places. MetService has an orange heavy rain warning in place for the headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers from 1pm to 9pm today, while there is a heavy rain watch from 4pm today for the headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers south of Arthur's Pass.

MetService also has wind warnings in place for much of the central South Island this afternoon, as well as road snowfall warnings for the Milford Road/State Highway 94, the Crown Range Road, Lewis Pass and Arthur’s Pass.

5 October, 8.10pm – SH90 to remain closed overnight

State Highway 90 between Tapanui and Waikoikoi is expected to remain closed overnight because of flooding.

A further update is expected by 9am tomorrow morning.

5 October, 12.55pm – Flooding in Otago & Southland impacting travel on highways

Flooding from heavy rain is affecting state highways in Otago and Southland, with one highway closed and others partially blocked.

State Highway 90 between Tapanui and Waikoikoi is closed due to flooding and a detour is in place.

Southbound traffic should turn right onto Station Road, continue onto Seddon Hill Road, turn left onto Koi Road then back onto SH90. The reverse applies for northbound traffic. People should allow extra time for travel. An update will be provided when the road status changes.

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 roads.

MetService is forecasting rain to continue in some parts, with an orange heavy rain watch in place for the headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers from noon tomorrow, and a heavy rain watch for the headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers from 3pm tomorrow.

On wet, slippery roads, motorists are advised to reduce speeds, increase following distances, watch their visibility, and brake carefully. More tips on driving in bad weather here.

Strong wind watches are also in place for tomorrow in the Queenstown Lakes District, Central Otago, Clutha District north of Tapanui and Southland north of Riversdale, and the Canterbury high country.

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