MetService has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for the area near Macraes Flat and Hummock (between Middlemarch and Waikouaiti) between now and 5.30pm. These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by very heavy rain and hail.

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MetService has issued a heavy rain warning for Dunedin from 9am to 9pm today (Sat 13 Nov). There will be periods of heavy rain, with up to 40mm to 50mm expected overall. More info: bit.ly/3ib6YhL

MetService has a heavy rain warning (orange) for Dunedin from 3pm Sunday to 2am Monday. Expect 40-60mm to accumulate. Peak rates of 10-15mm/h. Heavy rain may cause streams & rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding & slips are possible & driving conditions may be hazardous.

MetService has issued a Strong Wind Warning for Dunedin from 3am Mon to 7pm Tues, 21 December. Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines & unsecured structures. Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles & motorcycles. More: bit.ly/3e5lwA4

Over the past 8000 years, there's been a major earthquake on the Alpine Fault roughly every 300 years. The last one was in 1717. What could it mean next time it ruptures? Find out more: bit.ly/39Wfcfd

We have activated the Dunedin Emergency Operations Centre so we can monitor today’s heavy rain and plan any response that might be required. At this stage we don’t anticipate major problems, but we are making sandbags available as a precaution.

We’re advising students living in about 20 flats between Montgomery Avenue and Leith Street (Central), closest to the Water of Leith, to prepare for possible evacuation tonight. We are also opening an evacuation centre at Dunedin North Intermediate. More: bit.ly/3zy4KF6

Dunedin Civil Defence is now evacuating a small number of North Dunedin residents close the Water of Leith. Due to heavy rain, it is likely that the Water of Leith will overtop this evening and affect properties located between Montgomery Avenue and Leith Street (Central).

Dunedin Civil Defence Emergency Management continues to monitor localised issues as a result of heavy rain in the city today. No major flooding has occurred. However, we remain vigilant and are keeping a close eye on streams and rivers, particularly in the North Dunedin area.

The DCC is responding to about 120 reports of slips and localised flooding following heavy rain over the last 24 hours. Please be patient - they're working as quickly as possible to get to each, while dealing with those most in need first. More: bit.ly/3S6sZ4k

We are continuing to monitor Dunedin’s waterways but so far the city’s infrastructure appears to have coped well despite some damage to local roads. Latest update here: bit.ly/3vjPclI

FINAL WEATHER UPDATE FOR TODAY We continue to monitor the weather situation, but conditions are now easing and the worst appears to have passed. The Dunedin Emergency Operations Centre will stand down at 8pm today, as we are not anticipating any major issues overnight.