Roads closed; ‘more rain to come’
ROAD closures and high water levels were seen throughout Southland yesterday due to heavy rainfall in the area.
Localised flooding temporarily closed roads in West Otago and Southland, and Environment Southland warned water levels would remain high for days.
The Gore District Council advised there was surface flooding in the district, and several roads were closed.
They were: MacGibbon Rd from State Highway 1 to Millane Rd, and McGregor Rd at the ford.
‘‘Our roading team advises that River Rd, Kennedy Rd and Saleyards Rd are also affected by flooding, but are passable with care.’’
State Highway 90 between Waikoikoi and Tapanui was also closed and a detour was in place.
As a result of heavy rain and flooding, a culvert had washed out in Omutu Rd, Gropers Bush, and the Southland District Council advised the road was closed to everyone but residents between Mitchell RdErmedale Rd and RivertonOtautau Rd.
‘‘Please exercise caution on the roads, as there is some surface water throughout the district.’’
McLean Rd near Garston was closed from Blackmore Rd.
An Environment Southland spokesman said yesterday afternoon water levels in the region would remain high this week.
‘‘Due to rainfall overnight, we have triggered our flood warning. At the moment, there are 18 sites triggered, affecting 11 rivers or streams. There have been some instances of surface flooding.
‘‘There is more rain to come and we expect levels to remain high for the next four to five days.’’
The event was not considered serious but Environment Southland would continue to monitor the situation.
Flood warning information can be found through the Environment Southland website.