People in North Otago are being told to keep off the roads as heavy rain and strong winds continue to buffer the region. Torrential rain has virtually isolated Oamaru.

The Kakanui Bridge which links one side of Oamaru to the other was closed at 7pm Tuesday.

There have been a number of road closures, and people are being urged to stay alert with predictions of more rain. In excess of 300 millimetres of rain is expected to fall overnight in the Kakanui/Dasher catchment. A full list of road closures is available at www.waitaki.govt.nz

In the North Island, authorities are urging motorists to avoid State Highway Three at the Manawatu Gorge due to a slip.

NEWSTALKZB.CO.NZ