Icy roads make for difficulties

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A police officer takes notes after a 4WD slid on black ice and rolled on to a parked car in Heriot Row, central Dunedin about 10am yesterday. The 4WD occupants were not hurt. Photo by Peter McIntosh.

Weather forecasters and emergency service workers are warning Dunedin residents to brace themselves for more ice on the way to work this morning after a heavy frost overnight resulted in several crashes yesterday.

The MetService issued a special weather advisory yesterday warning that temperatures were expected to plummet again last night, with icy conditions across the region this morning and snow on the way for Central Otago tonight or tomorrow morning.

MetService forecaster Andy Downs said the frosts were a result of a ridge of high pressure that spread over New Zealand yesterday, producing clear skies and light winds in many areas.

A front is forecast to approach New Zealand late today and cross the South Island tomorrow morning, bringing snow to parts of the Canterbury high country and Central Otago tonight or tomorrow morning.

Snowfall amounts were not expected to be excessive, however, motorists should be prepared for winter driving conditions and keep up to date with the latest forecasts and status of the roads, Mr Downs said.

The main arterial routes were gritted yesterday, but roads were still icy in and around Dunedin city at 11am yesterday, particularly in sheltered areas.

Several crashes were reported, but those involved escaped serious injury.

Dunedin police last night urged motorists to take extra care and to drive to the conditions this morning.

"People have got to think twice before they hop into their car and be thinking ice, ice, ice. Extreme care should be taken, especially at intersections and in shaded areas," acting Senior Sergeant Simon Mapp said.