Overview
- MetService issued a Red Heavy Rain Warning Monday night for Marlborough and Canterbury that forecasts 250–350 mm of rain with isolated totals to 400 mm and warns of severe gales and heavy snow in higher terrain.
- The Waitaki District declared a local state of emergency after intense downpours flooded Ōamaru, displacing residents and prompting emergency shelter and rescue calls.
- Multiple major roads and bridges are closed, including State Highway 1 between Ward and Waipara, leaving some communities cut off and forcing abandoned vehicles and traffic stoppages on key routes.
- Kaikōura has seen rivers breach their banks, power outages and wastewater overflows that prompted public‑health cautions and council crews to respond where safe to do so.
- Authorities warn conditions could worsen because the ground is already saturated from earlier storms, increasing the chance of repeated bridge failures, long repair times and further community isolation.