Christchurch’s stormwater network is expected to come under pressure with wet weather and king tides forecast this weekend.

MetService has issued a ‘severe weather warning for Canterbury’ and forecasters are predicting as much 100mm of rain could fall over the region this weekend.

A heavy rain warning for Canterbury South of Ashley has been issued tomorrow from 3.00pm through to Monday morning.

Rain is expected to accumulate about the Canterbury High Country and foothills and peak especially from later Saturday and during Sunday.

There’s also some heavy snow expected that may come as low as 1000 meters in some places.

Acting Head of Three Waters and Waste Tim Drennan said Christchurch may be protected from some of the worst of the rain but with king tides also expected this weekend, but Christchurch City Council said it’s putting measures in place to reduce the flood risk.

“The combination of king tides and heavy rain is likely to result in some surface flooding, particularly in tidal areas and near the rivers.’’

“We will have pumps on standby in the Maces Road, Bromley area, Tern Street, Rockinghorse Road and Ebbtide Streets in New Brighton, and in the Flockton area.”

“We are managing the beach and estuary outfall stormwater pipes at Sumner and Southshore to ensure maximum efficiency of the stormwater network and we will have extra staff on standby all weekend to respond to any issues that might arise.”

Contractors are also checking and clearing stormwater grates in preparation for the weekend’s rain.

If residents have concerns over the weekend about flooding, Mr Drennan said they should phone the Council’s call centre on 03 941-8999. If there are widespread issues, priority will be given to responding to calls about flooding that is causing a safety issue or threatening people’s homes and businesses.

“If you need to be on the roads this weekend, please drive slowly, particularly through any surface flooding, so that you don’t push water onto people’s properties. Also, try and avoid walking or biking through surface flooding as there is a chance it could be contaminated with wastewater,’’ Mr Drennan says.