MetService’s heavy rain and strong wind warnings ended earlier this afternoon but lake levels are expected to peak in the early hours of Friday morning as streams and rivers continue to drain into them. In addition, MetService has road snowfall warnings in place for the Crown Range Road and Lindis Pass from 6.00-11.00pm tonight.

Otago Regional Council also issued a weather update at 3.30pm today, available on its website here - https://www.orc.govt.nz/your-council/latest-news/news/2025/october/lake-levels-to-peak-gales-surround-otago/.

In lieu of a second media release, the Emergency Operations Centre refer you to updates provided on the QLDC Facebook page and dedicated webpage.

The latter includes the latest information on:

• overnight road closures;
• ORC lake level monitoring data;
• guidance for businesses;
• availability of sand and sandbags;
• affected QLDC services such as bin collection services and public toilet blocks; and
• links for further information.

You can also watch a short video recorded this afternoon with Queenstown Lakes District Mayor Elect John Glover on Facebook.

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