The Rangitata River in Mid Canterbury overflowed onto SH1 today, closing the highway.

Torrential rain in the high country over the weekend saw the river level peaking at one metre over State Highway One making it impassable.

Kurow, North Otago is also experience a similar problem with SH82 being closed, as the Waitaki River is in full flow tonight. Detours are available but motorists may experience lengthy delays.

Winds earlier today blasted the Capital and also parts of Hawkes Bay, as the Nor’ wester was in full flight. Conditions are easing in these areas but winds may still be gusty at higher levels.

We’ll have more information on Weatherwatch first thing tomorrow morning, on the scale of the wind and rain from the weekend and what’s to come this week.