There were reports of surface flooding in parts of North and South Canterbury this morning and this afternoon more heavy rain is moving back in to the upper South Island as a low stalls off the east coast with a heavy rain warning issued.

This morning police said flooding was causing problems in the Amberley and Dommett areas. The Waimakariri District Council says the Ashley Bridge at Comes Road is closed until further notice due to rising river levels.

In the south, there are problems on State Highway One just north of the Waimate turn off. Motorists are advised to drive with caution.

For the past few days WeatherWatch.co.nz has specifically mentioned the Kaikoura coastline as being an area of concern and today MetService has issued rain warnings for the area.

See the current warning below:

Kaikoura Ranges: In the 10 hours between 11am Friday and 9pm Friday expect 50 to 80mm of rain. Maximum intensities of 15 to 20mm/hr until late afternoon

Homepage image:  File – Flooding in Canterbury / Leighton Thomas