Drivers in Southland are being urged to drive to the conditions and be alert as bad weather blankets the province.

Surface flooding and rising rivers are creating problems in the south.

The Southland District Council maintenance contractors have been out monitoring the situation and putting up warning signs on the worst hit roads.

Counsel Road and North Makarewa Road to Grove Bush Road are closed.

The Woodlands – Morton Mains Road and roads around Edendale Township are open but affected by flooding.

Many other roads in the District Council area are affected by surface flooding , including the Limehills Road and Makarewa – Browns Road.

There is also surface flooding around Riverton and Otautau.

Environment Southland has activated its flood river warning system and farmers and others close to Southland rivers should keep monitoring Environment Southland website or call its 0800 number.

– Homepage image / File, Matt Thompson

– NewstalkZB