Residents in a small north Canterbury community are being urged to self-evacuate as the risk of further flooding at high tide threatens their homes.
A slow-moving low east of New Zealand is directing a moist southeasterly flow over the South Island, bringing heavy rain to Marlborough and Canterbury.
As a result, an orange heavy rain warning is in place for parts of Canterbury and Marlborough. In the 12 hours until 7am on Monday, eastern Marlborough south of Ward and Canterbury about and north of Cheviot should expect another 40mm to 60mm of rain on top of what has already fallen, MetService said. Localised accumulations of 65mm to 85mm are possible about the Seaward Kaikoura range.
Also for the 12 hours until 7am on Monday, Canterbury south of Cheviot can expect another 35mm to 55mm of rain on top of what has already fallen.
The small settlement of Tuahiwi, which is just north of Kaiapoi, is at risk of further flooding at high tide from 8pm on Sunday.
The Waimakariri District Council is encouraging residents to self-evacuate and to stay with friends and family as a precaution.
There is also a Civil Defence Centre located at The Riverside Church in Kaiapoi.
The area of concern is between Bramleys Road, Flaxton Road, Cam Road, Old North Road, Pa Road, Church Bush Road, and Tuahiwi Road.
"Please take care if you are leaving the area and drive slowly through flood water to not create a bow wave," the Waimakariri District Council said in a Facebook post.
"However, we encourage residents who live nearby to also precautionarily self-evacuate if you feel unsafe."
For people who live in this area, the council asks you to:
- Take your pets with you - if it's not safe for you, it's not safe for them
- Move valuable and dangerous items as high above the floor as possible. This includes electrical equipment and chemicals. Use watertight containers to store important items
- Lift curtains, rugs, and bedding off the floor
- Check on your neighbours and anyone who may need your help.
The Ashburton River/Hakatere Bridge on State Highway 1 will also shut until 6am on Monday, Waka Kotahi said.
Mark Pinner, system manager for Waka Kotahi Central South Island, said the closure is precautionary given the build-up of flood debris around the bridge piers
Although the river levels are not comparable to the 2021 flood which undermined part of the bridge and required remediation, a cautious approach is needed given more rain is forecast, he said.
"If the river levels drop and concerns over debris lessen, the bridge may re-open later tonight or earlier tomorrow, however, we prefer people to be aware of the potential for the full overnight closure ahead of time."
Emergency vehicles will be allowed across the bridge.
