Update 7.20pm:

Power has been restored to the Upper Clutha.

A number of roads are closed - check Roads.

Earlier:

Heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms has caused chaos across the Upper Clutha today (September 21).

Power is out across the region which Aurora says is caused by 'faults'. Aurora said its fault crews are on site patrolling the lines and will make repairs to restore power as soon as it is safe to do so. Strong winds are hampering efforts.

Note added 3pm: power has been restored to most of Wānaka, Hāwea (4pm) and Cardrona. Areas in Wānaka that remain without power are Wānaka Mount Aspiring Rd, Ashgrove Lane, Homestead Close and Tapley Paddock. Aurora is estimating power to be back for those areas at 5.30pm.

The Haast Pass remains closed due to a slip and Mt Aspiring Road is closed due to rising fords.

Trees are blocking SH6 on the Cromwell side of Luggate, closing the road. Travellers on that route are to use SH8a towards Tarras until the road is opened.

Snowfall warnings are in place for the Lindis Pass and Crown Range from early tomorrow morning.

See Roads for the latest road conditions and Power Outages for information from Aurora.