Canterbury and Westland to be pelted with heavy downpours, surface flooding possible
Otira and Canterbury Lakes residents should expect rainfall rates of between 15-25mm/h today through until early Wednesday morning.
In a statement issued Tuesday morning, MetService warned that the severe downpours would make driving in the areas hazardous, with rising rivers and surface flooding possible.
What you need to know:
For Otira residents
- Expect 150 to 250mm to fall.
- Thunderstorms are likely.
- Freezing level at 2400m dropping to 1400m on Tuesday night.
For residents near Canterbury Lakes
- Expect 90 to 140mm of rain to fall, with higher rates expected near the main divide.
- Thunderstorms are likely.
- Freezing level about 2400 metres this morning, lowering to 1600 metres tonight (Tuesday).
To keep up to date with the latest weather warnings, please visit MetService's National Severe Weather Information Homepage.
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The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.
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Are you for, or against?
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9.5% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
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43.4% I want to be able to choose.
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47.1% Against. I want to deal with people.
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31.5% Yes!
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68.5% No thank you.
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Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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