Flash flooding

Mackenzie District residents have been warned to prepare for more rain and possible thunderstorms after a burst of rain caused flash flooding in Twizel on Thursday night. MetService meteorologist Jessie Owen said Pukaki Airport weather station recorded 10.4 millimetres between 7-8pm on Thursday. He said more rain is expected over the next few days, accompanied by thunderstorms for the high country and most of the country. A heavy rain watch has been issued by MetService for parts of the Canterbury high canterbury and coastal Canterbury from 3am to 8pm today. Environment Canterbury southern area duty flood controller Chris Fauth said the regional council’s rain gauge recorded a ‘‘highly localised, heavy burst of rain’’ between 7.30 and 8.30pm in the Twizel township. ‘‘About 27mm rain fell in less than one hour.’’