Local News - Wet

North Canterbury has hit the news. Its not often our area does this but the persistent steady rain has caused much flooding in the area. Roads have become small rivers, rivers have become raging torrents as they make their way out to sea. State Highway one has been closed which is almost unheard off round these parts causing long delays as the detour roads aren't much better. High tide today was at 2pm with the sea surging in to meet the Ashley River, both bridges have been closed.

It's not only the Waikuku, Woodend, Ashley, Kaiapoi areas that have been affected but also out to the west along the Rangiora-Oxford Road especially between Rangiora and Fernside, which is where this image was taken.

There is flooding in our small town of Rangiora with an evacuation of a rest home and the Mega Mitre 10 garden centre under water caused from a small creek bursting its banks. Some properties in the west of the town are flooded with a few having water inside their homes. Our brand spanking new vet centre is surrounded by water and Excell Biosecurity further up the road is also surrounded by water.

Some schools have been closed while others have remained open with statements saying 'wet weather gear and gumboots required', its not the norm for gumboots to be required for school round here.

We are fine although I have never seen my garden afloat, the rain is still steadily falling after starting round noon yesterday, goodness knows what will greet us when we open the curtains in the morning.

This is our Tuesday, hope yours is much better :)