Weather live updates: Flooding, rockfalls in Queenstown, evacuations as winter storm hits South Island
A severe winter storm has caused widespread flooding, rockfalls, and slips across New Zealand's South Island, particularly in Queenstown. Emergency services have conducted evacuations and warned residents to avoid non-essential travel due to hazardous conditions.
Why it matters
The event demonstrates the increasing frequency and impact of extreme weather events on infrastructure and public safety.
Flooding and rockfalls have affected a swathe of Queenstown and surrounding areas overnight as a late-night deluge hit the town amid a significant winter storm across the South Island.
Snow, heavy rain and slips are causing hazardous travel conditions, while some residents were evacuated from their homes amid concerns about land stability.
Firefighters attended 16 flooding-related jobs during the night, mostly related to water entering homes, Fire and Emergency southern shift manager Lyn Crossan said.
Numerous other calls had also come in regarding flooding on properties and roads. Most jobs were in Queenstown, Frankton, Arrowtown, Lake Hawea and Wānaka, with more expected this morning.
Some Queenstown residents had been evacuated due to concerns about the stability of the ground around Fern Hill and Bowen St, including at a campground, Crossan said.
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