22 Sep 2023

Live weather updates: State of emergency in Southland following wild weather

3:33 pm on 22 September 2023

MetService says heavy rain which caused widespread flooding and damage in Southland and Otago is now making its way up the country.

Large swathes of the South Island remain under weather warnings and watches ahead of the weekend.

Meteorologist Clare O'Connor says the rain is easing in Southland, but is now hitting the West Coast.

She says the heavy rain will hit the North Island over the weekend.

If you witnessed the wild weather, and would like to share pictures with us, please email it to: iwitness@radionz.co.nz

Meanwhile, snow is beginning to fall in the lower half of the South Island.

Tuatapere residents are beginning a clean-up.

An image shows the aftermath of torrential rain in Queenstown, which caused a local state of emergency to be declared on 22 September, 2023.

An image shows the aftermath of torrential rain in Queenstown, which caused a local state of emergency to be declared. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver

The Invercargill City Council says heavy rain has ceased, but several roads in the region are closed due to flooding, rising rivers and debris.

NIWA says Queenstown recorded 87 millimetres of rain in the past 24 hours - its wettest day in 24 years. More than 100 residents have been evacuated.

The Queenstown Lakes District Council says an initial clean up operation is underway at Isle Street, Robins Road, Duke Street, Shotover Street and Camp Street.

The clean up in Queenstown, near the gondola.

The clean up in Queenstown, near the gondola. Photo: RNZ / Tess Brunton

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