'Colossal' storm hits parts of Central Otago

Central Otago has been hit by a huge electrical storm. Picture/123RF

A electrical storm has hit Central Otago this evening, cutting power and covering part of SH8 in water.

The storm, which hit about 6pm, was accompanied by torrential rain and multiple lightning strikes.

Police and fire fighters have been called out on several flooding related jobs.

A police spokesman said there was surface flooding over a large 2-3km stretch of the Ettrick-Raes Junction Rd near Ettrick.

Another person had told police about "severe flooding'' between Ettrick and Roxburgh.
Police were asking drivers to drive to the conditions.