Cyclone Fehi: Wanaka, Queenstown warned of surface flooding, road closure

Mt Aspiring Rd past the Treble Cone turnoff was closed yesterday morning due to surface flooding. Photos: Kerrie Waterworth

Heavy rain caused widespread surface flooding across much of Wanaka township and surrounding areas yesterday after former tropical cyclone Fehi moved across the South Island.

Queenstown Lakes District Council warned motorists to watch out for water on roads, in particular

Mt Aspiring Rd between the Mt Roy track car park and Ruby Island Rd. Mt Aspiring Rd past the Treble Cone turnoff was closed from early yesterday  due to surface flooding.

A forgotten swimming costume in one of the flooded lakefront car parks.

A severe weather warning for heavy rain in Otago remained in place from 10am  yesterday through to  noon today but the rain was expected to ease around midnight.

Otago Regional Council maintained its warning to Wanaka residents in the Mt Roy area, as a result of ash and debris left behind by the recent Mt Alpha fire.

"While no mud flows appear to have happened yet, the warning to Wanaka residents in the Mt Roy area between Stoney Creek and Waterfall Creek remains current," ORC director of engineering, hazards and science Dr Gavin Palmer said.

"As it may take a certain amount of rain to saturate the loose soil and generate run-off and muddy sediment flows, people are advised to remain vigilant and aware of potential flows for the duration of the rainfall," he said.