Gore and Mataura have been evacuated as the Mataura River peaks, while the nearby town of Wyndham is also on notice to evacuate as the water draws nearer.
The Mautara River peaked in Gore around 8:30am, and is expected to peak in the town of Mataura around 10:30am.
People in Gore and Mataura have been warned they need to leave as quickly if possible - if they're even still there.
Southland's Emergency Management chair Neville Cook speaks to Corin Dann.
