Christchurch

The next high tide is due at 8pm tonight and is likely to bring some more flooding.

There will be another high tide again at 8.30am tomorrow.

The Christchurch City council said roads that have been closed today are likely to remain closed until the high tides have passed tomorrow so if you normally travel these routes to get to work or school, please start thinking about making alternate plans.

If anyone living close to a river or waterway is feeling at all unsafe, they should self-evacuate.

If you need to report a problem in your area please call our Contact Centre on 941-8999, or it if is an emergency, call 111.

Ashburton District

Environment Canterbury is monitoring rainfall and river flows across the region. Rivers manager, Leigh Griffiths said some of the highest flows on record have been in the Upper Hinds, Ashburton/Hakatere and Selwyn catchments. There are now a number of breakouts around the Ashburton District and out of river flooding is also anticipated on the Selwyn/Waikirikiri River.  

South Canterbury district 

In South Canterbury there was significant rainfall in the Waihi, Kakahu and Geraldine areas. River levels will be high into early Monday. Overflows have occurred on both sides of the Waihi River between Geraldine and just north of Temuka. The Temuka River has also overflowed to the southwest into the Arowhenua area. Rivers in the rest of the South Canterbury region are high but currently not causing significant out of river problems. Ecan staff are monitoring the situation. All smaller streams on the plains area are carrying high flows and there is extensive surface flooding. Numerous road closures have occurred and are expected to remain into Monday.  

North Canterbury district 

The Ashley/Rakahuri River is currently rising quickly in its lower reaches but is expected to remain within its stopbanks. Monitoring will continue later when the high tide is due and people are asked to stay well away from the river area.  

Farmers 

The local civil defence is coordinating the local responses. Local Rural Support Trusts, Federated Farmers, Ministry for Primary Industries, and other rural agencies are providing support to Civil Defence.   

Regional Parks update 

The Waimakariri River and Ashley Rakahuri regional parks have been closed.  

Ecan advice for all Canterbury residents 

• Try to keep an idea of where everyone is on your property and have a conversation now about which route you’ll take to get out to safety

• Exercise caution when travelling through flood water on roads – this may be deeper and faster flowing than it looks and the terrain may have changed under water

• All flood water must be assumed to be contaminated, contact and ingestion could make you sick, so please avoid where possible. When working in the area ensure you wash your hands before drinking or eating

• Keep a close eye on the weather over the next few weeks by visiting:

  • www.metservice.com

  • Riverflow data

  • Rainfall data