Heavy rain and strong winds caused flooding in some places yesterday, disrupting travel on South Island state highways and elsewhere.
The ute became stuck in the the Waimakariri River in Weedons Ross Rd, West Melton, and emergency services were called about 12.40pm today.
They understood "the occupant is currently not in immediate danger and is waiting for rescue staff".
Firefighters were responding from Rolleston, West Melton, Kirwee and Christchurch City stations.
Six rescued from Marlborough floodwaters
Last night, six people were rescued after their vehicles became trapped by floodwaters between Nelson and Blenheim.
Some elevated parts of Nelson and Tasman recording up to 300mm of rain in 36 hours.
Police said the travellers were reported stuck in floodwaters on State Highway 6, near Canvastown, about 8.35pm yesterday.
Rescue teams were sent from Search and Rescue, Surf Lifesaving New Zealand and the Defence Force, along with firefighters, "and six people were retrieved from vehicles", they said.
SH6 between Pelorus and Havelock was closed yesterday but had re-opened by mid-morning today.
The NZ Transport Agency said a 50km/h restriction was in place on the highway and "road users are advised to take extra care when travelling along this route".
Workers spent the morning clearing debris and repairing damage on the route. NZTA said four vehicles caught in floodwaters were recovered.
Earlier in the day, police said floodwater levels in the area remained high.
MetService says wild weather across New Zealand was easing and highways re-opening. The weather front had moved away from the country this morning, with only a few lighter showers expected.
However, an "unsettled and cold showery" west-to-southwest flow is forecast and more wind warnings were possible, particularly for Southland and Otago, on Sunday.
This story was first published on rnz.co.nz |  |
