Flood warning

The rivers impacted by heavy rain in the Canterbury high country over the last few days have now all peaked in their upper reaches, and flows are dropping. Some will still be carrying high flows in their lower reaches throughout the day today.  

We encourage those with property adjacent to rivers that have been affected by high flows to continue monitoring their own situation as flows recede, and take action as required.

Lower Waitaki River: Meridian Energy will have excess water flowing over the Waitaki dam at around 1000-1100 cumecs. This flow is likely to continue into tomorrow. Landowners adjacent to this river should continue to monitor their own situation as some out of river flows could occur across farmland at these elevated flows.  Staff will be on site monitoring flood protection works over the coming days.  

Other South Canterbury rivers: flows have dropped overnight and will continue to drop throughout the day. No overflows beyond those that occurred yesterday are anticipated today.

Ashburton River: flows are dropping throughout the river system. No overflows beyond those that occurred yesterday are anticipated today. 

Rakaia and Waimakariri rivers: high peak flows occurred overnight, and have passed through the rivers and have reached the coast. We are not aware of any significant out of river flooding issues, but affected rivers will remain high in their lower reaches throughout the day as flows recede.  Staff will be checking on the Waimakariri River today. 

North Canterbury rivers: peak flows have passed through the rivers and are moving through the lower reaches. We are not aware of any significant out of river flooding issues, but affected rivers will remain high in their lower reaches throughout the day as flows recede.

This message will not be updated  unless significant changes occur.