Hundreds of people in Nelson have had an anxious night waiting to find out if their homes have been flooded.
The city is under state of emergency after the Maitai River burst its banks yesterday afternoon and poured down streets. More than 230 homes near the river were evacuated.
A heavy rain warning remains in place until 11 o'clock on Thursday.
One resident who's lived in the city for 30 years spent the afternoon bailing out her backyard and says it is the worst flooding she has seen.
Soldiers patrolled the cordoned streets overnight and all residents are being asked to stay home if possible.
Cordons are in place at Tasman and Nile Streets where houses have been evacuated while Rocks Rd and Cleveland Terrace are closed due to slips.
Nelson Mayor Rachel Reese told First Up more homes needed to be evacuated overnight.
Reporter Kirsty Frame spoke to Corin Dann from Bridge Street overlooking the Maitai river.
