Second time that the MetService has ever issued a "Red Warning".
https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home
Heavy Rain Warning
AREA: CANTERBURY SOUTH OF ASHLEY
Starts: 3:00pm Sat 29 May
Ends: 11:00am Mon 31 May
Expect 200 to 300mm of rain to accumulate about the Canterbury High Country and foothills during this time, with 80 to 120mm of rain farther east about the Plains and coast. Peak hourly rates of 10 to 20mm/h are expected, especially from later Saturday and during Sunday. Also note, the freezing level is forecast to be around 1400 metres on Saturday, then lifting to around 1800 metres on Sunday, before lowering to 1400 metres again on Monday. Heavy Snow is expected above the freezing level throughout the event, but heavy snow may fall as low as 1000 metres in some places at times, especially on Saturday and on Monday.
This rain is expected to cause dangerous river conditions and significant flooding. Slips and floodwaters are likely to disrupt travel, making some roads impassable and possibly isolating communities.
Issued at: 11:23am Fri 28 May
Next update: 10:00pm Fri 28 May