Live: Red heavy rain warning issued after downpours cut power

A red warning for heavy rain has been issued for parts of Otago, with up to 150 millimeters of rain possible in some areas.

The Coromandel Peninsula was struggling with power outages and blocked roads on Thursday morning.

Now MetService has updated its warning for North Otago, Dunedin and coastal Clutha, saying the rain is disrupting travel, making some roads impassable and isolating communities.

Follow the RNZ live blog for updates: