Press Release – Otago Regional Council Sharon Hornblow, ORC duty flood officer. The severe weather warning for Otago has now been lifted, although some rainfall and isolated thunderstorms are still expected today. Some rivers in Otago will continue to rise today. Rivers remain high throughout … Sharon Hornblow, ORC duty flood officer. The severe weather warning for Otago has now been lifted, although some rainfall and isolated thunderstorms are still expected today. Some rivers in Otago will continue to rise today. Rivers remain high throughout Otago and some are still rising. These are: Taieri River at Outram, Taieri River at Sutton, Manuherikia River at the campground and Clutha River at Balclutha. Rivers in North Otago are now receding and the headwaters have now peaked.