Otago flood warning update

<p>Metservice has lifted its heavy rain warning for Otago. The heaviest rain was recorded in the hills surrounding Dunedin with Pine Hill receiving 120mm in the 24 hours to 2200hrs yesterday. Rainfall throughout the region tended to range from 30mm to 70mm.<br /> <br /> Most rivers in Otago are higher than normal today, but many coastal rivers are falling and returning to normal after yesterday&rsquo;s peak flows. The lower Taieri River at Outram has peaked at 214 cubic metres (just above its first flood warning level) and is expected to slowly recede today.<br /> <br /> The lower Pomahaka River at Burkes Ford is expected to peak at close to 565 cumecs this morning after receiving more than 86mm of rain in its headwaters. The Lower Clutha river is at 968 cumecs and rising. It is expected to reach its first flood warning level of 1140 cumecs sometime today.<br /> <br /> The Otago Regional Council (ORC) urges people, particularly in the lower Clutha catchment, to be alert to rising river levels and take appropriate precautions.<br /> <br /> River level and rainfall information can be checked on the ORC water info webpage <a href="http://www.orc.govt.nz/waterinfo">www.orc.govt.nz/waterinfo</a> or by phoning 0800 426 463.</p>