Heavy rain, floods hit Christchurch hard

Heavy rain and high tides were causing problems in Christchurch early today.

Police southern communications spokesman Inspector Warren Kemp said motorists were being warned to take extreme care on roads both in the city and the surrounding areas.

"With heavy rain, countless roads and streets have surface water," he said.

High tides were causing rivers to back up.

Christchurch City Council had closed the roads on the Beckenham Loop and it was hoped that houses would not be flooded.

- NZPA