Severe Weather Hits South Island | Christchurch News

Severe weather is slamming the top of the South Island with red heavy rain warnings across Marlborough and Canterbury, threatening major disruptions on State Highway One—especially along the east coast. Emergency crews are racing to rescue people trapped by floodwaters near Hanmer Springs and Inland Road. The Kaikōura District Council is urging everyone to avoid travel for the next 36–48 hours, as up to 600mm of rain is forecast, with rising waters, slippery roads, and landslides already causing havoc. Multiple highways—including SH6, SH8, and SH1—are closed or at risk, with more closures expected. Drivers are warned to brace for sudden hazards and avoid North Canterbury and the West Coast entirely. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/80a62ed7fd9e7ebd