Councils urge drivers to stay off roads

Floodwaters are threatening some houses in Gore as flooding closes schools and roads in Southland and Clutha.

Rivers were rising in both districts, and the Gore District Council has advised people to stay off the roads as flooding continues to affect roads and property.

In a statement, a Clutha District Council spokesperson said: ‘‘Road users need to be aware that any damage done to their vehicles on closed roads is not covered by insurance and by driving through the floodwaters they are causing additional unnecessary damage to already affected properties.’’

State Highway 1 was closed between Gore and Clinton, a SouthRoads employee said.

State Highway 94 between The Key and Mossburn is closed, along with SH97 from Mossburn to SH6 near Lumsden.

Other highway closures included State Highway 6 between Queenstown and Kingston, SH90 between McNabb and Tapanui and McNabb to Glenkenich, at the intersection with Pomahaka Rd.

SH94 from Lumsden to Gore had water across the road in several locations in the Croydon to Otamita area.

In the Gore District, Waikaka Rd, Otama Rd, Knapdale Rd, Ontario St, River Rd, MacGibbon Rd, McDonald Rd, Ruia St, Koa St and Ardwick St between Devon and Onslow streets were closed.

In the Southland District, Ellis Rd between Acton and Lowther, Felton Rd, McLean Rd, Lora Gorge Rd and Henderson Rd were all closed.

‘‘Road users need to be aware that any damage done to their vehicles on closed roads is not covered by insurance.’’ Clutha District Council spokesperson