Parts of the central West Coast have been flooded after downpours inundated stormwater systems this morning.
The Grey District Council said 54mm of rain was recorded in just six hours.
“Our backyard is now a dirty Olympic swimming pool,” one Cobden resident told 1News.
Do you have information or photos/video of the flooding? Email news@tvnz.co.nz
New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said State Highway 7 was closed between Greymouth and Stillwater due to flooding.
“Road users are advised to avoid the area of delay their journey if possible,” an NZTA spokesperson said.
A detour was available via Taylorville Rd and State Highway 6.
“People should be aware there are several slips on the detour route, and it is not suitable for heavy traffic.
The closure and slips come as heavy rain had been predicted for the West Coast, ahead of potential snow and ice affecting lower and central South Island roads over the next few days.
The district council said there was flooding through parts of Greymouth, Blaketown, Dobson, Cobden, Kaiata, Runanga, and Taylorville.
“There was a significant localised cloudburst, thunder, lightning and heavy rain,” a spokesperson said. “This resulted in our stormwater systems being overwhelmed and significant flooding of streets.
“Staff and contractors were out from 2.30am, and teams have been cleaning up since first light.
“We have received reports of multiple businesses, cars, and some homes which flooded.”
The spokesperson said water came down from hillside streets in Greymouth including Freyberg Terrace, Puketahi and Mount St, then into the CBD and through to the Leonard, Williams, Boundary, and Arney streets.
“It left gravel and debris in its wake.”
The spokesperson added: “Any floodwaters should be considered contaminated.”
Mayor Tania Gibson thanked people for their patience as contractors worked through the clean-up.
“We know many people have been impacted by this isolated, but damaging event,” she said.
“If you are out and about, watch for slippery footpaths and roads. Crews will be working throughout the weekend as the clean-up progresses. We only have so many resources and they are going as fast as they can, with many working through the night.”
Fire and Emergency NZ Southern shift manager Lyn Crosson said there were nine callouts to homes that had flooded or were at risk of flooding between 3.30am and 6am this morning.
There was also a call to a road slip in Cobden.
She said there was a real downpour overnight but once the rain stops, the floodwaters would recede and tended to fix itself.
Her message to the community was: “if your home is at risk of being flooded, call 111 and be proactive about moving things out of flood risk.”
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