Caution urged on roads as weather deteriorates

Canterbury Police are reinforcing their call for motorists to exercise extreme caution on the roads as weather conditions look set to remain difficult over the next 24 hours.

Police operations commander Inspector Craig McKay says while there have been no major incidents or emergencies today, high winds, heavy rain and the possibility of snow in hill areas will make conditions treacherous for drivers.

"There have been numerous reports of localised flooding in parts of Christchurch City and surrounding areas today, and these are likely to continue. Forecast strong gusty southerly winds will also pose hazards for drivers.

"Our message remains - assess your local conditions and if the weather or road conditions are dangerous, consider delaying any non-essential travel or think about alternative transport.

"Always drive to the conditions, slow down and extend following distances."

Employees should contact their employers about attendance at work and travel to and from work, he says.

Inspector McKay says Police attended only about six motor vehicle crashes in Christchurch between 6am and 3pm today - no more than on an average day. Most were minor, and there was no indication that weather conditions were a significant contributing factor in these events.

"And other than calls about road cones blowing over and temporary fences collapsing in the wind, there have been very few weather-related emergency calls."

Meanwhile Police have bolstered their patrol capacity for the weather conditions with 12 additional 4WD vehicles. "These will help us to ensure we maintain our ability to respond to crime and crash if the weather packs in. It's business as usual policing."

ENDS