Flooding closes roads on West Coast as freezing blast hits

A sudden and severe freezing blast has hit the West Coast, leading to widespread flooding, road closures, and sewage warnings around Greymouth. Heavy rain and thunderstorms have turned roads into rivers, while mountain passes are bracing for snow. This unexpected weather event is causing significant disruptions, impacting local travel and daily life. The combination of rain and freezing temperatures highlights the region's vulnerability to extreme weather shifts, which could have broader implications for infrastructure and emergency response planning.