On the West Coast, winds and heavy rain also brought down trees onto State Highway 6 and caused surface flooding.
Photo: MetService
Flooding has closed the key road link between Canterbury and the West Coast, as a fierce thunderstorm swept over the region this afternoon.
State Highway 73 between Otira and Arthur’s Pass was closed at about 4.30pm.
Contractors also worked to clear a large mudslide blocking both lanes further east on SH73.
An NZTA spokesperson said heavy machinery was onsite to clear the mud and regain traffic access – and traffic was expected to get through again soon, including vehicles trapped between the mudslide and the flooding closure at Arthur’s Pass.
Orange heavy rain warnings were in place until 9pm for the Westland ranges and Haast, and the headwaters of lakes and rivers south of Arthur’s Pass, and until 1am for ranges of the Grey and Buller districts.
Earlier in the day, Canterbury was under a strong wind warning, which brought down trees, partially blocking the road.
NZTA said road users should avoid the area or delay their journey, if possible.
More rain was expected for the West Coast, with an orange heavy rain warning in place until 9pm Sunday for the ranges.
A heavy rain warning was also in place for the Westland District about and north of Haast.
On the West Coast, winds and heavy rain also brought down trees onto State Highway 6 and caused surface flooding.
Grey and the Buller Ranges are under an orange heavy rain warning until 1am Monday.
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