Heavy snow is forecast from today across the South Island and New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is urging motorists not to get caught out leading into the weekend.
Heavy snow warnings or watches have been issued by the MetService from today, with heavy snow down to 300m potentially causing travel disruption, damage to trees and powerlines in Central Otago and Canterbury, from the Rangitata River southwards.
Across Canterbury occasional rain will spread north this morning, and snow lowering to 300 metres inland this afternoon and evening, MetService forecasts.
North of the Rangitata River, Canterbury and southern Marlborough may also be affected, with heavy snow possible down to 400m. Mountain passes across the island may be impacted as snow accumulates.
NZTA system manager Mark Pinner said: “We got off relatively lightly with the snow so far this week.”
“The highway closures we had in the MacKenzie Country were only short-lived and the impact was not widespread. If you are heading away for the weekend, and especially if you are travelling on highways at higher elevations, make sure you are prepared and plan ahead using our (online) Journey Planner.”
Queenstown Lakes is also facing potentially heavy snow to 400m, and snow is expected to fall about the Dunedin-Waitati Highway (SH1) from about 10am.
In addition to accumulating snow, the accompanying cold temperatures create risks of frost and ice on the roads.
“Make sure that if you are driving in these conditions, that you adjust your speeds and following distances accordingly.”
“If you can avoid or delay travel on roads while there is elevated risk, that’s sensible.”
NZTA will be working with its partners to keep a close eye on the State Highway network around the south and responding with its crews as required.
In the Westland District, motorists are encouraged to be prepared for potentially severe gale force southeast winds from this afternoon.
