Otago Regional Council’s flood management team has been monitoring flood conditions overnight and staff have been out since first light checking on stopbanks and pump stations.

Group Controller Fraser McRae said their reports would help with decisions about access for evacuated households today. “We know that people will want to get back to their properties as quickly as possible. We aim to have initial assessments later this morning – each area has different circumstances. For example, on the Taieri it takes floodwater from the Maniototo up to 36 hours to reach Outram. Though the rain stops, the river will still be carrying a lot of water for some time.”

While the weather is forecast to be settled today and tomorrow, more rain and cold temperatures are predicted from Tuesday.

There are multiple local road closures across the region and four state highways remain closed by flooding or snow: SH1 from Pukeuri to Waitaki Bridge; SH8 from Raes Junction to Milton; SH88 from Maia to Sawyers Bay; SH85 from Kokonga to Kyburn (flooding) and Kyeburn to Palmerston (snow). As well there are ice warnings for roads across the district.

ENDS

The next update is expected after 10.30am
Michele Poole, Duty public information officer - 0278398306