Canterbury’s winter storm is beginning to ease, but heavy rain and hazardous driving conditions remain a concern across parts of the region.

An Orange Heavy Rain Warning remains in place for the headwaters of Canterbury’s lakes and rivers about and south of Arthur’s Pass until around midday on Friday.

NZ Transport Agency has also issued area warnings for surface flooding on State Highway 8 between Omarama and Clearburn, and for winter driving conditions on State Highway 73 between Springfield and Otira.

SH73 is open after being closed by snow on Thursday, but motorists are being urged to drive carefully as winter conditions continue.

Across Canterbury, mostly cloudy skies and a few spots of morning rain are expected to give way to fine breaks later in the day.

Christchurch is forecast to reach about 20 degrees, with gusty northeasterlies turning northwesterly during the afternoon.

North Canterbury will see similar conditions, with cloud and early rain spots clearing to some sunshine. Winds are expected to remain breezy, particularly inland.

Saturday is forecast to bring fine weather, lighter northwesterlies and highs of about 18 degrees.

Elsewhere in the South Island, State Highway 6 between Makarora and Lake Hāwea has been closed because of a slip.

Road users are being asked to avoid the area or delay their journeys if possible.

The closure follows heavy rain and snow brought by the winter storm, with slips, rockfalls and fallen trees continuing to pose risks.

State Highway 94 between the Lower Hollyford Road intersection and Donne River also remains closed because of avalanche danger. The Te Anau to Milford Sound route is expected to reopen on Saturday, based on current forecasts.

The Crown Range Road is closed between Eastburn Road and Cardrona because of adverse weather conditions.

Surface flooding warnings are also in place for SH6 between Haast and Hokitika on the West Coast, and SH8A between Tarras and Luggate in Otago.

Motorists are being advised to check road conditions before travelling and to be prepared for conditions to change quickly.