The Grey River continues to rise as floodwaters move downstream, following heavy rain overnight.

As a precaution, buses and children from outlying areas left Greymouth schools early today due to water in the backcountry moving toward the coast.

Stillwater to Dobson is also closed due to flooding with the next update by 8pm.

We are advising residents to plan their travel carefully this evening.

Rivers are expected to keep rising for several more hours. A close watch is being maintained on Kaiata and Golf Links Road.

The Greymouth Aerodrome runway is closed to fixed-wing aircraft due to surface flooding.

A slip approximately 40 metres back from Sawyers Creek, off Marlborough Street, is being monitored.

The Cobden cut may be opened.

Controller Andy Thompson said the Grey Emergency Operations Centre was activated at 11am. There were also some reports of toilets backing up.

“There is a lot of wood and debris in the rivers.”

If you are in a flood-prone area and feel uncertain, please consider self-evacuation for your safety.

Civil Defence staff will remain on deck until midnight.

© Scoop Media