The Gore District is under a state of emergency.
Heavy relentless rain set in early this morning and hasn't stopped causing surface flooding. The Gore and Mataura storm and waste water systems have been overwhelmed.
A number of roads are closed. And residents are being asked to stay indoors and stay home if possible.
Council staff are pumping floodwater and laying sandbags to protect properties.
Meanwhile Metservice has heavy rain, wind and snow warnings in place for the majority of the South Island.
Sonia Gerken from Gore District Council speaks to Lisa Owen.
