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Hundreds of properties remain without power across North Canterbury as severe weather continues to cause widespread disruption.
The Kaikōura District Council said it will reassess the flood stricken town this morning.
Photo: Charmaine McFarlane, farmland / Inland Road near Kaikoura
Heavy rain has led to washed out bridges and evacuations in Kaikōura, where a state of emergency is in place.
The council said it expected floodwaters to recede overnight but urged residents who have evacuated their homes not to return yet.
Photo: Charmaine McFarlane, farmland / Inland Road near Kaikoura
Christchurch resident Charmaine McFarlane said her brother owns a farm off the inland road near Kaikōura, where floodwaters have gone through two properties.
“They are ok. They have two properties on Inland Road and the river has gone through both.
“There are a lot of fences down with animals out.”
About 130 people have left their homes and sheltered at Takahanga Marae and two other evacuation centres.
MainPower said outages had been caused by the severe weather, including damage from the Cribb Creek Bridge washout on Inland Kaikōura Road.
About 160 properties on Inland Kaikōura Road remain without electricity, along with about 80 properties near Hanmer Springs and Parnassus.
Photo: Charmaine McFarlane, farmland / Inland Road near Kaikoura
MetService said a strong southeast flow was sitting over the South Island and lower North Island, bringing heavy rain to northern Canterbury and eastern Marlborough.
A Red Heavy Rain Warning remains in force for Marlborough and Canterbury between Ward and Hanmer, and southeast of the Awatere Valley, including the Kaikōura Ranges, until 10am.
MetService said another 70 to 120 millimetres of rain could fall on top of what has already been recorded, with peak rates of 10 to 20 millimetres an hour likely, especially about the ranges.
The forecaster said coastal areas could receive a further 30 to 60 millimetres of rain, while snow was likely above 1200 metres.
MetService said the rain could cause dangerous river conditions, significant flooding and slips, disrupt travel, make some roads impassable and isolate communities.
People have been told not to enter floodwaters, avoid travel, self evacuate if they see rising water, and be ready for power and communications outages.
