Wild weather welcomes Spring

Sep 3, 2018, 10:48 AM Environment

river flooding — *The Heathcote River is starting to flood on Aynsley Tce in Opawa.* *Arwen Sommer*

Strong winds and surface flooding have scattered wheelie bins and rubbish on the streets of suburban Christchurch.

Canterbury is facing the brunt of the storm moving up New Zealand today, with rain, strong southerly winds and snow down to 400 metres.

Strong wind and surface flooding has scattered wheelie bins and signage on streets in Redcliffs and Opawa.

The Christchurch City Council asked residents on Facebook to check their wheelie bins and make sure rubbish had not fallen out.

Redcliffs resident Paula Vaschetto chose to stay home in the weather, as she wanted to comfort her frightened dog.

Christchurch had received 24.8 millimetres of rain before 10:30am, while Akaroa had received 30.6 milimetres.

The Christchurch-Akaroa Highway has the highest recorded reading with 44.2 milimetres of rain. Motorist are advised to be cautious.

MetService is forecasting strong southerlies with gales in exposed parts.

Drivers have been warned to be careful on mountain passes across the South Island, with heavy snow forecast. The Lindis Pass has lifted restrictions on using chains to travel through.

The rain will ease to showers in the afternoon with a high of nine degrees expected.

Rubbish storm drain — *Rubbish on Port Hills Rd* *Arwen Sommer*

*Wheelie bins on Beachville Rd* *Arwen Sommer*

wet weather — *The Heathcote River* *Arwen Sommer*

Port Hills weather — *Port Hills Rd* *Arwen Sommer*

wet weather1 — *The Heathcote River* *Arwen Sommer*

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