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Pair rescued from car roof on flooded Otago road

Emergency services rescued two people from the roof of their car, after they were trapped by floodwaters in Otago this morning.

river overflowing
into farmland

Floodwaters around Balclutha this morning. Photo: Supplied / Otago Regional Council

Heavy rain which hit Otago yesterday is expected to return to the region this afternoon.

MetService has a heavy rain watch in place for areas including Oamaru, Dunedin and Balclutha for 12 hours from 2pm.

Two two people in the vehicle that got stuck this morning were trying to cross a flooded road between Balclutha and Clydevale.

Senior Sergeant Jared Kirk of Otago Coastal Police said the driver and passenger were rescued from the car roof uninjured at about 10am.

The incident has sparked a police appeal for drivers to obey road signs.

"We ask that drivers remain patient, keep your speeds down on these roads, and obey all road closure signs," Mr Kirk said.

"Drivers who ignore road warnings are potentially placing themselves and others at risk.

"Drivers also need to be aware that vehicles may not be covered by insurance if they are driven on a closed road."

State Highway 8, from Milton through to Raes Junction and SH90, is now open but extreme care is needed due to multiple slips and flooding.

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hanger building
above floodwater

The South Otago Aero Club under water today. Photo: RNZ / Tim Brown

Forecaster Claire Flynn said further flooding and slips could be possible on already sodden land and roads.

However, rain is not expected to be as heavy as yesterday.

Clutha District Council said Lawrence, Milton and coastal areas could be affected.

SH 90 at Pomahaka River Bridge, South of Glenkenich, is closed due to flooding

State Highway 90 was closed but has now reopened.

Authorities are monitoring the Clutha River, which has peaked at its highest level in about two decades.

a road disappearing
into floodwater

Flooding in Central Otago yesterday. Photo: RNZ / Tim Brown

The Central Otago town of Lawrence was hit by flooding for the second time in two years this week.

Residents in Lawrence turned out in full force last night to assist emergency services with sandbagging.

However, Chief Fire Officer Rory Tisdall said the town had come out the other side okay.

After flooding last July, local authorities undertook remedial work, which had helped alleviate flooding this year, Mr Tisdall said.

Updates on road conditions can be found on the NZTA site http://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic.


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