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Surface flooding and slipping have forced the closure of several roads in Otago and Southland.
Patearoa Bridge. Source: Otago Central District Council.
Fuchsia Creek Rd, Kakanui Valley Rd, Frenches Rd, Kaura Hill Rd, Weston-Ngapara Rd, Island Cliff Rd, and Livingstone Duntroon Rd were closed due to flooding, while Danseys Pass was closed due to a slip, Waitaki Mayor wrote , Gary Kircher on Facebook.
A section of State Highway 1 from Maheno to Reidston is now closed due to flooding, according to the New Zealand Transportation Agency.
State Highway 87 from Kyeburn to Outram is also closed after a collapse at the Kokonga Bridge.
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Much of the lower part of the South Island was affected by rain today, January 2.
Fire and Emergency NZ has received three weather-related calls so far, and crews attended an accident on the Te Anau-Milford Highway, where there is surface flooding.
Police were receiving reports of surface flooding, particularly on State Highway 83. Source: Southern District Police.
Emergency Management Southland turned on its flood warning system to warn of rising rivers, with the upper Waikaia River currently affected.
NIWA Weather said campers, homeless people and travelers should be on the lookout for flooding and slipping, and higher elevations, particularly in eastern Otago, are anticipated to receive the most rain.
Dunedin City Council said there have been no floods or slips in the city.
On Facebook, the Southern District Police warned drivers to be careful on the region’s roads.
“We are receiving reports of surface flooding in some areas, particularly on SH 83 between Georgetown and Duntroon,” the post read.