MetService is warning of "an exceptional amount of rain'' for the west of the South Island, including the headwaters of Otago lakes and rivers, which could bring flooding, slips and possible road closures. Parts of the West Coast were hammered by rain overnight, with some spots receiving nearly 50cm since Sunday. Heavy rain warnings remain in place for many places in the South including Westland south of Otira, the headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers south of Arthurs Pass, head waters of Otago lakes and rivers and Fiordland. MetService predicted significant rainfall and thunderstorms for the headwaters of the Southern Lakes between 5am yesterday and 5pm today. "Lake Wakatipu is expected to rise to between 310.6m (above sea level) and 311.4m, depending on the predicted rainfall scenario.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 25, 2019 15:39 UTC