Widespread flooding hits Canterbury roads
· Otago Daily Times Online NewsNumerous roads throughout Canterbury are affected by escalating flood conditions, and motorists are asked to respect legally enforced closures and restrictions.
MetService is forecasting more heavy rain and snow today through inland Canterbury to the top of the South Island.
A red heavy rain warning for Marlborough and Canterbury between Ward and Hanmer Springs and southeast of the Awatere Valley, including the Kaikoura Range, remains in place until 6am tomorrow. This level of warning carries the risk of a threat to life from dangerous river conditions, significant flooding, slips and impassable roads.
Rain continues to batter Canterbury and escalating flood conditions means the closure of State Highway 1 in North Canterbury has been extended to between Waipara in Canterbury, and Ward in Marlborough.
This closure was now expected to remain in place overnight, a spokesman for the New Zealand Transport Agency/Waka Kotahi said early this afternoon.
In addition to flooding from the Conway River affecting several kilometres of SH1 near Hawkswood, in an area known locally as ‘Siberia’, a state of emergency has now been declared for the Kaikōura district after the Kowhai River also breached its banks.
"With the likelihood of extensive flooding continuing through today both north and south of Kaikōura, New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has made a call that the SH1 closure will remain overnight, to be reassessed in daylight tomorrow.
"NZTA appreciates the level of disruption this closure of the South Island’s main transport route means, but the scale of the flooding means it is unavoidable.
"The route, or parts of it, will reopen when it is safe for road users. A detour is available inland via State Highways 7, 65 and 6, but this will add significantly to travel times."
Inland Kaikoura Road in North Canterbury is closed after flooding, police advised this morning.
"Cribb Creek has burst its banks and Cribb Creek Bridge is unsafe to drive along. Stay home if it's not necessary to travel."
Because this road is closed, motorists were encouraged to consider using other inland routes such as State Highway 7, or to delay their travel. People should prepare for a closure throughout the day, the NZTA spokesman said.
If travelling, road users should to adjust their driving accordingly where there is signage advising of surface flooding or slips.
"People are urged to avoid driving through floodwaters where the depth is unclear and there may be hidden obstructions.
"In heavy rain, New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi also reminds people to think about adjusting their speeds and travelling distances, avoiding sudden braking, and staying visible (using headlights in daytime hours)."
State Highway 8 between Fairlie and Lake Pukaki in the Mackenzie Basin had reopened by 10.30am after heavy snow. However, road users were advised to take extra care when travelling along this route.
Road snowfall warnings
MetService has issued fresh road snowfall warnings for state highways and alpine roads for tomorrow and Thursday.
Crown Range Road
Valid: 9 hours from 7am until 4pm on Wednesday
Forecast: Snow showers expected to develop in the morning. 1 to 3cm of snow may accumulate above 800 metres, with lesser amounts to about 600 metres.
Lindis Pass (SH8)
Valid: 10 hours from 7am until 5pm on Wednesday
Snow showers expected. Accumulations of 2-3cm are possible above 800 metres during this time with lesser amounts down to 600 metres.
Porters Pass (SH73)
Valid: 14 hours from 6pm on Wednesday until 8am on Thursday
Snow showers expected down to 900 metres at first and lowering to 600 metres from 10pm. Accumulations of 5-8cm are likely near the summit with lesser amounts down to 600 metres.
Arthurs Pass (SH73)
Valid: 12 hours from 6pm on Wednesday until 6am on Thursday
Snow showers expected down to 900 metres at first and lowering to 600 metres from 10pm. Accumulations of 1-2cm possible about the Arthur's Pass summit and lesser amounts down to 600 metres.
Black ice warning in Waitaki
Police are warning of black ice in Waitaki district as a local state of emergency continues.
There has been heavy rain and flooding has across Waitaki for a couple of days, with freezing temperatures expected this morning to lower parts of the district. This, along with the still very damp conditions may cause black ice and/or slippery conditions on roads, police said in a statement this morning.
"If don’t need to travel, stay at home. If you do, please drive slowly and to the conditions - allowing extra time for travel and expect slippery roads. Make sure you also keep your distance, drive rested and unimpaired."
The state of emergency was declared yesterday morning and will stay in place for at least another day.
In a statement from the Waitaki District Council this morning, it expected another weather event which “might exasperate the already wet conditions”.
State Highway 1, between Seven Mile Road and Pukeuri, has reopened this morning following flooding. However, a 30km/h speed restriction is in place. Motorists must stop if requested and drive with caution.
SH83 Pukeuri to Georgetown has also reopened.
Road closures
Other highway closures remain in place due to snow and flooding, and further disruption was expected.
• State Highway 1 has been extended to between Waipara in Canterbury, and Ward in Marlborough due to flooding
• Inland Kaikoura Road in North Canterbury closed following flooding
• State Highway 6 Whataroa to Harihari, West Coast, due to strong winds
• State Highway 6, Haast to Fox Glacier, West Coast, because of fallen trees
• Danseys Pass Road in Central Otago is partially closed due to snow
A light dusting of snow remains on the Wānaka side of the Crown Range summit. The road has been well gritted, however chains must be carried if you're travelling over the pass.
In Central Otago, Danseys Pass is now open to the gates just past the hotel - but for 4X4 vehicles only. The road remains closed through to the Waitaki network.
Further highway closures may be required if the weather impacts make it unsafe, the spokesman for NZTA said.
"Because of the heavy rainfall and melting snow, there is also a risk of ice build-up in parts of the South Island over the coming days that people should be wary of. Roading crews will be laying grit and anti-ice agents on the highways to assist vehicle traction."
Meanwhile, strong winds remain a threat on the West Coast south of Westport, especially for high-sided vehicles, towing vehicles and motorcycles.
People are encouraged to plan their travel carefully, especially on inland state highways, and to be prepared for closures or disruptions.
- Allied Media