ORC monitoring closely as heavy rain hits eastern Otago with snow inland
Saturday 28 June 2025
The Otago Regional Council is closely monitoring as forecast heavy rain falls in parts of Otago with a heavy rainfall warning and snow watch still in effect for Otago.
River levels are rising, but have not yet peaked in North Otago, and the Dunedin and Clutha area. Flood infrastructure is doing its job and performing as expected. There were no significant issues overnight and surface flooding and ponding are likely in lower lying areas. We are ready to respond to any issues that arise will continue to closely monitor river levels.
The Otago Regional Council is closely monitoring as forecast heavy rain falls in parts of Otago with a heavy rainfall warning and snow watch still in effect for Otago.
ORC Flood Duty Officer Ann Conroy says “River levels are rising, but have not yet peaked in North Otago, and the Dunedin and Clutha area. Flood infrastructure is doing its job and performing as expected. There were no significant issues overnight and surface flooding and ponding are likely in lower lying areas. We are ready to respond to any issues that arise will continue to closely monitor river levels.”
Coastal Dunedin bore the brunt of rainfall overnight – approximately 25-50mm, with other parts of Otago getting 20-50mm. Rainfall has eased in North Otago but Dunedin could see a further 20-30mm and 30-40mm for Clutha.
Rivers are rising and we’ll be keeping a close eye on the low lying areas which could potentially be affected, including parts of the Tokomairiro floodplain such as Milton, the Lower Taieri floodplain including Henley, the Lower Clutha floodplain and Middlemarch.
The Water of Leith and Lindsay Creek in Dunedin are not expected to overtop their banks.
The Silver Stream near Mosgiel is expected to peak at about 90-100 cumecs on Saturday afternoon.
The Taieri River at Outram is expected to peak this evening at about 400-600 cumecs. Flooding of the unprotected areas downstream of Outram is likely.
The Clutha River at Balclutha is expected to peak at around 1900 cumecs on Sunday morning. Flooding is likely in low lying areas adjacent to the river upstream of Balclutha, and unprotected areas downstream of the township on the Clutha delta.
“At this stage, we do not expect widespread issues from the rain, but conditions can change and we will monitor closely. Communities in affected areas should stay up to date with conditions. Should the situation worsen, we are ready to act.”
Periods of heavy snow above 400 metres are also forecast for Central Otago, Southland north of Lumsden, also inland Dunedin and Clutha during Saturday.
ORC’s rain gauge data, showing accumulation for the 24 hours until 8:30am Saturday
