Otago floods: What do you know about evacuation centers, road closures and forecast?

More rain is on the way for already sodden Otago, where homes were evacuated and roads flooded overnight.

If life or property is threatened, always dial 111 for police, fire or ambulance. Local authorities are responsible for disaster management in their area.

A state of emergency has been declared in Dunedin and a red rain warning for North Otago, Dunedin and the Clutha coast was not due to expire until 9pm on Friday.

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RNZ is New Zealand’s statutory civil defense radio station, providing important information and updates as they become available. You can find all frequencies here.

Here’s what you need to know:

Evacuation centers

The first evacuation center at St. Clair Golf Club was full.

Forsyth-Barr Stadium was opened to anyone who had to leave their homes. Enter the stadium center via Gate J, there is plenty of parking and pets are welcome.

Road closures

At least 22 roads in Dunedin have been closed due to flooding. The city’s road closures can be checked on the council’s website.

State Highway 87 from Kyeburn to Hyde was closed until further notice due to flooding.

SH 88 Forsyth Barr Stadium to Port Chalmers was closed due to a landslide. Waka Kotahi warned people to postpone their travel or consider an alternative route.

SH 90 Waikoikoi to Tapanui was closed due to flooding and a diversion was put in place.

Due to flooding, the speed on SH 96 was reduced to 30 km/h at the intersection with Brown Road.

Sandbags

Sandbags were available at the ice rink in South Dunedin, the Memorial Park car park in Mosgiel and the showground in Middlemarch.

Polytech closed

It is already school holidays for younger students.

Otago Polytechnic announced its Dunedin campus will close on Friday.

forecast

MetService forecasts the heavy rain will ease by Friday evening.

The red heavy rain warning was due to expire at 9 p.m.