Queenstown has declared a local state of emergency as severe weather continues to affect the South Island.

Dozens of people have been evacuated and there are multiple road, business and school closures in the region today.

A temporary evacuation centre has been set up at St Peter's Church.

Mayor Glyn Lewers made the declaration at 6.33am today and says more than 100 people have been evacuated from the Brecon Street and Reavers Lane areas.

A regional state of emergency was declared in Southland at 6pm on Thursday night.

A welfare centre has also been set up at Otautau, north west of Invercargill, where the river is expected to rise to bridge height.

Another welfare has been set up in Gore at the Croydon Lodge and at the Mataura Community Centre.

Meanwhile, Tuatapere ran out of water overnight after flooding damaged the treatment plant.

Three water tankers will be stationed in the town from 8am today.

The Mataura River in Gore is contained at this stage, despite continued heavy rain.

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