A powerful storm system that triggered widespread flooding and disruption across the North Island has now moved south, with Banks Peninsula and parts of Canterbury facing the latest wave of severe weather impacts.
Authorities have declared a Local State of Emergency for Banks Peninsula as heavy rain and damaging winds batter the region. Flooding has been reported across Canterbury, with wind gusts exceeding 100km/h in some areas, creating hazardous conditions for residents and emergency responders.
In Christchurch, the Heathcote River has breached its banks, raising concerns for nearby communities and infrastructure. Transport routes have also been affected, with part of State Highway 75 — the main road connecting Christchurch and Akaroa — currently closed due to unsafe conditions. Meanwhile, a boil water notice has been issued for residents in Wainui on Banks Peninsula as a precaution following the severe weather.
Nationwide, the storm’s impact remains significant, with more than 8,000 households reported to be without power.
In the North Island, emergency declarations remain in place across several regions still recovering from earlier flooding. The Manawatū-Whanganui region is under a State of Emergency after local emergencies were declared in the Manawatū, Rangitikei and Tararua districts. Waipā and Ōtorohanga districts also remain under states of emergency as recovery efforts continue.
Emergency services are urging residents in affected areas to stay updated with official advice, avoid floodwaters, and prepare for further disruption as the storm system continues to move across the country.
For the latest weather warnings in your area, visit metservice.com.
State sponsored geoengineered weather warfare going strong throughout the country.
Link?
The guys in Waipa cleared our road and reopened it and got the power back on, well done!
Christchurch Historical Weather: Not Climate Change – But Which Mayors Allowed Building and Development In These Known Hazard Areas?
1936
Another heavy rainstorm, the second within a fortnight, swept Christchurch, Banks Peninsula and Canterbury Plains last night and to-day. The rainfall has varied greatly in intensity in different areas. In Christchurch since 4.30 yesterday afternoon the fall has been about three inches, but n Akaroa more than nine inches [229mm] fell in 40 hours.
All rain-fed rivers are in heavy flood, and the Waimakariri, not usually affected by south-west rain, is in heavy flood.
The most serious damage which will be caused by the rain will be to ungarnered wheat. A great deal of wheat is still out in the stook, and there is a fear that much of the grain may sprout. More of it which may escape this risk will be discoloured by long exposure to the rain.
It is impossible fco estimate the total extent of this damage, because trouble has already developed in a few districts, but much more serious trouble will follow this storm. Much depends on the weather in the next few days. On Banks Peninsula damage estimated at £3OOO was done to the cocksfoot crop. A few sheep were drowned through the flooding of creeks at Walnui, on Akaroa Harbour. The town of Akaroa was flooded in parts by creeks rising. The north end of the town suffered most severely. The main street and recreation ground were nearly two feet under water. Some families had to leave their homes. Roads in the valleys were deeply scoured, and many slips fell on practically every road in the district.
The storm in the city and suburbs was the worst for several years. The Avon overflowed its banks in the Avonside district, and in low-lying parts of the suburbs, where storm water drainage was inadequate to cope with the unprecedented run off, roads were awash. Avonside Drive was covered by two feet of water for several chains and residents were unable to leave their houses. Surface flooding occurred at St. Albans, where some residents had to wade through water nearly knee deep to leave their homes. No houses were flooded.
Flooded ereeks, slips and washouts disorganised transport services throughout Canterbury. Some trains were delayed, others had to be cancelled, and service cars were unable to get to their destinations. The railway between Rotherham and Waiau was washed out and trains could not pass. Passengers were taken on by motor-car. Washouts occurred near Mina and Tormore, on the Cheviot line. At Staircase, on the West Coast line, a slip stopped all trains, and passengers had to pass on foot for 100 yards. At Sefton minor washouts occurred, and no trains will run north of Rangiora to-morrow. The Southbridge line is blocked by four washouts near Ellesmere, but. trains may be able to run to-day.
Road transport was blocked in many districts. Cheviot is Isolated, and residents cannot go more than three miles in any direction. The Hurunui River is flowing over the road level with the bridge decking. It is feared the bridge may be damaged. Service cars forKaikoura were held up at Deep Creek and no mails or passengers went north of that point today. The Lees Valley road is blocked by slips. The north approach to the bridge on the Ashley Gorge Road has been washed away by flood.
SOUTH CANTERBURY
Up till a late hour to-night there were prospects of heavy flooding throughout South Canterbury. Light rain fell throughout the day, but early this evening there was a torrential downpour, upward of 2in. being recorded in some parts in three hours. Rivers and creeks are all running high, and unless the rain ceases there Will probably be heavy floods tomorrow.
A good many farmers have not yet threshed their wheat and oat crops and heavy losses are likely. Many paddocks are almost submerged, and the quantity of surface water about is greater than at any other period in the past seven or eight years.