Surface flooding in Christchurch, road closure on State Highway 75

Chris Lynch
Chris Lynch
Mar 18, 2025 |

Heavy rain caused weather-related issues across Canterbury on Tuesday night, with surface flooding reported in several areas.

Significant flooding was seen in parts of Halswell near Longhurst and in Prebbleton, where water covered roads and created hazardous driving conditions.

Longhurst in Halswell

At 9.05PM, State Highway 75 between Birdlings Flat and Little River was closed due to flooding.

NZ Transport Agency said motorists should avoid the area or delay their journey.

Lincoln Volunteer Fire Brigade was also called to State Highway 75 to remove a fallen tree blocking one lane of the road.

Meanwhile, MetService said the Heavy Rain Watch for Canterbury from the Rangitata River to the Rakaia River had been lifted, as the threat of rainfall amounts reaching warning criteria had passed.

The Strong Wind Watch for eastern parts of Canterbury from the Rangitata River to the Rakaia River was also lifted, with MetService saying the threat of south to southwest winds reaching severe gale had passed.

Chris Lynch
Chris Lynch

Chris Lynch is a journalist, videographer and content producer, broadcasting from his independent news and production company in Christchurch, New Zealand. If you have a news tip or are interested in video content, email [email protected]

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