Update Wednesday 17 September, 9pm.

Severe weather conditions, including strong winds, are causing disruptions across Canterbury.

Road Closures

• 4.30pm - Arundel Rakaia Gorge Road is closed tonight between Ashburton Staveley and Springburn Bushside. Detours apply. Motorists are advised to allow extra time and take extreme care, as high winds are making driving conditions hazardous.
• 8pm - NZTA have reopened State Highway 77 (SH77) between Mount Hutt Station Road and Leaches Road

Alpine Riverbed Alert

3.48pm - an Alpine Riverbed Alert was issued by Environment Canterbury. Heavy rain has been falling in the headwaters of Canterbury’s major alpine rivers, including the Rangitata and Rakaia. Rain is expected to continue through the evening, easing early Thursday morning.

River flows are forecast to rise in upper catchments this afternoon and in lower reaches from tomorrow morning. While out-of-river flooding is unlikely, those travelling near riverbeds should remain cautious.

Fire Response

5.05pm - Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) is responding to four vegetation fires across Canterbury, fanned by high winds. Two are in the Springfield area, one in Southbridge, and another near Swannanoa.

Ashburton Resource Recovery Park

The Ashburton Resource Recovery Park is also closed until further notice due to weather-related safety concerns.

For more information:

Weather updates https://www.metservice.com/warnings/

Local road closures https://adcgis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=b2beb192d9494ad59046435213129de8

State Highway Closures https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-planner

Power outages https://www.eanetworks.co.nz/power/outages