Heavy rain is causing surface flooding across parts of Christchurch this morning.

The MetService is forecasting for heavy rain to continue until midday.

The Avon River in central Christchurch off Manchester has burst its banks and there’s surface flooding in other parts of the CBD.

Motorists are being caught out by flooding on the corner of Colombo and Brougham Streets where there’s significant surface flooding.

Meanwhile organisers of Holi Festival have cancelled today’s event in North Hagley park.

Newport Street in Avondale has significant surface flooding.

Resident Sam McDonnell said his house is surrounded by water.