No warnings
There is no serious flooding event expected/anticipated in Otago at the moment. If this should change suddenly, we will update.
ORC monitors rainfall, lake levels and river flows. Using MetService forecasts along with our own data and expertise, we model the predicted effects of heavy rainfall.
Lake flooding is typically slower to develop compared to high river flows, meaning we usually have more time to issue updates and warnings.
Our water monitoring sites are automatically updated through the day and night. These are publicly available, and you can view the data.
ORC Facebook updates
Follow Otago Regional Council for updates via Facebook
NZTA road conditions
Use this map to get live updates of road conditions in Otago
Otago situation map
Stay Informed - this map shows current situations, updated by Otago Emergency Management.
Otago CDEM Facebook updates
Follow Otago Emergency Management Otago for updates via Facebook
Stay up to date with the current rainfall totals, river flows and lake levels at sites all over Otago. Our water monitoring sites automatically update through the day and night.
Lake level flood information
Quick link to find the flood information on lakes in Otago.
Rainfall info
Our Environmental Data Portal gives up to date access to rainfall information across Otago.
River flow information
Quick link to find flow information for rivers in Otago
ORC undertakes monitoring and analysis to forecast how lakes and rivers will respond to heavy rainfall, which enables other agencies like city and district councils, power companies, and (if necessary) civil defence to plan their responses. We have a 24/7 flood duty officer, and a wider flood management team for these situations.
ORC also ensures that pump stations and flood protection schemes are unobstructed and working as intended. ORC’s Lower Clutha flood scheme protects 9,300 hectares of land from inundation in high river flows.
While lake flooding is usually able to be monitored more than flash flooding from rivers, you should still remain prepared for a natural hazard event.
GetReady has helpful information on what you can do to stay safe before, during and after a flood.
October 2025
An Orange heavy rain warning has been issued by MetService for the Otago headwaters, for midnight to 2pm Thursday 23rd October. We are monitoring weather conditions, river flows and lake levels.
Rain abates - lake and lagoon watches remain in place
Weather update #3 16:00 (24 Oct 2025) - Following heavy rain Lakes Whakatipu and Wanaka and Glenorchy Lagoon remain under ORC watch and are expected to peak by tomorrow morning – but at the lower end of earlier predictions.
Lake levels to peak, gales surround Otago
Weather update #2 15:30 (23 Oct 2025) - Heavy overnight rain has swollen rivers and lakes across Otago, with some flood warnings still in place, and gales are expected to persist into the late afternoon, especially for coastal Otago areas.
Caution advised as weather system looms
Weather update #1 - ORC is cautioning people in the Queenstown Lakes townships and rural areas to stay up to date with the likelihood of rising river and lake levels in coming days – with some flooding now predicted.
