Source: Radio New Zealand
Akaroa hit by flooding as storm moves south. RNZ / Nathan Mckinnon
Christchurch and Banks Peninsula are being lashed by heavy rain as the wild weather moves south, causing flooding in Akaroa.
MetService said a deep low east of New Zealand is moving slowly southwards, bringing more heavy rain to the lower North Island and eastern South Island.
However, it said the south-to-southwest gales over central New Zealand are easing.
Banks Peninsula is under an orange heavy rain warning until 6pm, with up to 100 mm of rain on top of what has already fallen.
A heavy rain watch is in place for Christchurch (apart from Banks Peninsula), and Canterbury Plains and Foothills between the Rangitata River and Amberley until 10am.
A heavy rain watch for Dunedin (east of Pukerangi) will linger for longer, and is due to expire at 9pm.
Christchurch City Council said it was closely watching the weather, with roading crews on standby overnight. Some surface flooding has already been reported, but more will be known as day breaks.
State Highway 75 between Christchurch and Akaroa was closed at 11pm on Monday because of flooding. An update on the road is due by 7am.
MetService said has also issued heavy swell warnings for the Wellington and Wairarapa coasts from midday, saying large waves and dangerous sea conditions are expected. Coastal inundation is possible about exposed coasts.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
