Heavy rain has closed roads in Christchurch this morning and cut power to parts of Banks Peninsula.

The Christchurch City Council said there’s surface flooding and debris on the roads.

“If you have to drive through ponded water, please go as slowly as possible so that you don’t push water onto people’s property and cause damage.”

The following roads are closed: Hunter Terrace from Malcolm Avenue to Colombo Street, Ernlea Terrace, Eastern Terrace, Riverlaw Terrace, between Wilsons Road and Burnbrae Street, Palatine Terrace, Richardson Terrrace.

The Christchurch Transport Operations Centre said there was significant flooding on SH73 Curletts Rd and westbound on SH73 Yaldhurst Rd.

“Motorists are advised to take extra care northbound on SH73 Curletts Rd and westbound on SH73 Yaldhurst Rd. Please allow extra time for your journey.”

The bad weather has cut power to parts of Akaroa, Fishermans Bay, Hickory Bay, Otanerito Bay, Paua Bay, Takamatua, Charteris Bay, Church Bay, Diamond Harbour, and Hornby.

Heavy rain and strong wind watches are in force for Christchurch.

The Metservice is forecasting rain, possibly heavy, easing to showers morning.

Snow possible to 500 metres this morning with strong southwesterlies, gale in exposed places gusting 100 km/h, easing afternoon.

There’s a heavy Snow Watch warning for the Canterbury High Country north of the Rangitata River, and inland parts of the far south of Marlborough including the Kaikoura Ranges.

Heavy snow warnings

Snow may lower to 300 metres this morning, with heavy snow possible down to 500 metres. Snow amounts may approach warning criteria down to 500 metres. Note, heavy snow is very likely at higher levels.

The Christchurch airport was warning motorists to be careful when driving to the main terminal.

“Please take extra care on the roads around the airport if you’re coming here today. There is surface flooding on some roads, so please slow down and take extra care to keep everyone safe.”

State of Emergency declared

The Timaru District Council declared a State of Emergency for the Pleasant Point- Temuka Ward, last night.

This was due to a risk of flooding in a specific section of the Ward following damage to a stop bank along the South side of the Opihi River between Butlers Road and Kerrytown Road.

All residents in the affected area were contacted police who assisted them to evacuate.

Security was put in place for the affected area.