Environment Canterbury is warning residents and workers to take extra care around alpine riverbeds today following heavy rain in the region’s high country.

An alert issued at 6.11am said significant rainfall had fallen from Wednesday afternoon through the night in the headwaters of the Rangitata, Rakaia, Waimakariri, Hurunui, and Waiau Uwha rivers.

“The rain has now eased or turned to snow,” ECan said.

“Flows have increased in the upper parts of these rivers overnight and will increase in the lower parts throughout the day.”

ECan is urging caution for anyone working or recreating in riverbeds, saying out-of-river flooding is highly unlikely at this stage.

The advisory will only be updated if the situation changes significantly.