Debris remains on Canterbury Street, Lyttleton after torrential rain caused flooding overnight
Quick action had to be taken in Lyttelton this morning after dozens of homes were threatened by flooding following a night of torrential rain.
MetService has re-issued a severe weather warning for Canterbury and eastern parts of Otago as further rain is expected.
The slow moving weather system that produced heavy rain across parts of New Zealand over the weekend is expected to give one last burst before easing by Wednesday.
"The complex weather system should dump more rain over eastern parts of the South Island in the next 24-36 hours before breaking up, allowing the rain to ease," said meteorologist Daniel Corbett.
Heavy showers are also likely in the north and west of the North Island for the next few days.
Once the low weakens, it will allow a westerly flow to spread across New Zealand later in the week, bringing drier weather to eastern areas.
Some roads in Christchurch remain close despite flooding in the area appearing to ease, including River Road, Slater Street and Lower Styx Road.
Partial closures are being enforced on New Brighton Road, Eastern Terrace, Hunter Terrace and Avonside Drive.
Quick thinking saves homes
Quick action had to be taken in Lyttelton when a retaining wall burst its banks, sending water gushing down a main street.
Resident Rowena Laing said the wall at the top of Canterbury Street was washed out, with the falling shingle and rocks blocking stormwater drains and creating a flash flood.
"A river of water went into the western end of Exeter St. Neighbourhood men, and the local volunteer fire brigade put sandbags in place, and shovelled the shingle and rocks," she said.
"One house in Exeter St had water go into its downstairs rooms. The men created a dam with the rocks and shingle and stopped further flooding of the house.
"Water was eventually diverted down Canterbury Street, where it then went into stormwater drains further down the hill."
Andrea Ferrar said the efforts were "amazing".
"Amazing volunteer fire brigade have saved houses on Voelas Road from being flooded, by diverting the flow of water using wooden planks and sand bags.
"Cars had to be moved across the street as water gushed over the bonnets."
Most of the country was hit hard by downpours over the weekend, with the worst flooding in parts of Northland, Marlborough and the far south of the South Island.
Drivers were being warned to take care on the roads this morning with widespread surface flooding, particularly in low-lying eastern areas of Christchurch.
Check your local forecast on our weather page.
Source: Fairfax/ONE News
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