Homes, businesses and vehicles have been damaged after a severe cloudburst caused widespread flooding across the Grey District.

Grey District Council said the worst of the weather hit between 2am and 4am, bringing thunder, lightning and intense rain.

Flooding affected parts of Greymouth, Blaketown, Dobson, Cobden, Kaiata, Runanga, Taylorville and Dunollie.

Council staff and contractors were called out from 2.30am, with clean up work continuing from first light.

The council said the volume of water overwhelmed stormwater systems and caused significant flooding across streets and properties.

In Greymouth, water flowed down hillside streets including Freyberg Terrace, Puketahi Street and Mount Street before reaching the central city and areas around Leonard Street, Williams Street, Boundary Street and Arney Street.

Gravel and debris were left across roads and footpaths.

Cobden was also badly affected, with Range Creek spilling over its banks on Bright Street. The lower section of the street was closed for a time.

A slip was also reported on Taylorville Road.

The council said all stormwater pumps were checked and found to be working, but the amount of water was well beyond their capacity.

Any floodwater should be treated as contaminated.

Residents and business owners who have had water through their properties are being asked to contact their insurers and advise the council.

McLeans Pit was closed this morning because of flooding on the access road, although rubbish collection trucks were able to get through safely to begin servicing the Grey Valley.

Grey District Mayor Tania Gibson thanked residents for their patience.

“We know many people have been impacted by this isolated but damaging event,” Gibson said.

“If you are out and about, watch for slippery footpaths and roads. Crews will be working throughout the weekend as the clean up progresses.

“We only have so many resources and they are going as fast as they can, with many working through the night.”