In pictures: South Island storm unleashes flooding, snow and evacuations
Significant rain, strong winds and snow have battered the upper South Island this week.
A state of emergency was declared for Kaikōura yesterday, with hundreds of households evacuated after almost 200mm of rain fell in the town in 24 hours.
Flash flooding closed roads in Otago, North Canterbury, Marlborough and Kaikōura, while snow lingered for parts of the Central South Island.
Heavy rain watches have been upgraded to orange warnings for eastern ranges of Horowhenua, Manawatū and Taihape and Wairarapa until the early hours of the morning.
Canterbury Fire and Emergency brought in specialist water-rescue teams to help in evacuating residents and pets in Kaikōura. Photo / Canterbury Fire and Emergency Management
The Kōwhai River breached stopbanks this morning, with floodwater flowing toward the township. Surface flooding, gravel movement and damage to local infrastructure have been reported across parts of the district. Photo / Civil Defence Emergency Management Canterbury
State Highway 1 has been washed away at Ferniehurst, south of Kaikōura, after severe flooding. Photo / Hurunui District Council
Another angle of SH1 at Ferniehurst, south of Kaikōura, after severe flooding. Photo / Hurunui District Council
Conway River in flood – SH1, south of Kaikōura. Photo / NZTA
NZTA says further snow and existing ice build-up resulted in further state highway closures this morning in the central and lower South Island. Photo / NZTA
Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you
Get the iHeart App
Get more of the radio, music and podcasts you love with the FREE iHeart app. Scan the QR code to download now.
Download from the app stores
Stream unlimited music, thousands of radio stations and podcasts all in one app. iHeart is easy to use and all FREE
