Rangiora appears to have been hit hardest by this morning’s floods in Canterbury.

Rangiora High School decided to close around 8am.

The old Ashley Bridge was closed at Cones Rd around midnight, while police have issued a warning about significant flooding on Tram Rd and State Highway 1 near the Ashley River.

Surface flooding is causing chaos on several town streets.

Local contractors are out trying to pump it clear and clear gutters.

Motorists have been warned to drive slowly and with caution.

The old Waimakariri Bridge remained open. 

Police urged caution late last night to all drivers on State Highway 1, both north and south of Kaikoura to use caution as there had been several rock falls.

Watch this footage from an Ashley resident attempting to navigate the flooded roads:

– NZ Herald