While the rain has eased and MetService has now lifted its weather warnings for the South Island, New Zealand Transport Agency area warnings for surface flooding and restrictions around slips remain in place this morning.

In Christchurch, significant surface flooding has been reported this morning on State Highway 74/Anzac Drive, north of Wetlands Grove, and caution is being urged for those travelling on this route.

Area warnings over surface flooding remain in place at the following West Coast locations:

• State Highway 7 between Reefton and Springs Junction (Rahu Saddle)
• State Highway 6/Lower Buller Gorge between Inangahua and the intersection with State Highway 67/Buller Road
• State Highway 6 between Makarora and Haast (including Haast Pass)
• State Highway 6 between Haast and Hokitika

Temporary traffic lights and a 30km/h temporary speed limit reduction have also been in operation overnight on State Highway 73, between Jacksons and Aickens, because of a slip yesterday blocking a lane of traffic.

NZTA contractors have also been sent out this morning to deal with rockfall reported on State Highway 8 between Lindis Pass and Lindis Valley in Otago.