8:15 pm today

Live: Otago braces for more downpours as floods drive people from homes, block roads

8:15 pm today
Flooding on Surrey Street, South Dunedin, seen Friday morning (left) and evening (right).

Flooding on Surrey Street, South Dunedin, seen Friday morning (left) and evening (right). Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon

A state of emergency has been declared in Dunedin and for the Clutha District, but a rain warning for east Otago has been downgraded to a "heavy rain watch".

Roads have closed due to flood, residents have had to evacuate, slips have caused chaos, some residents have lost power and some bus routes in Dunedin have been cancelled, while others are operating at a reduced capacity.

Have you been affected by the weather? Share your stories and pictures with us at iwitness@rnz.co.nz

A red heavy rain warning originally set to go until 11pm Friday was eased about 8pm, and widespread rain for Southland had eased and the rain watch there lifed at the same time.

MetService advises people to still stay up-to-date with the latest forecasts.

RNZ is New Zealand's statutory civil defence lifeline radio broadcaster, providing vital information and updates as they come to hand. All frequencies can be found here.

Follow RNZ's liveblog for updates:

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs