Polar blast expected to linger

The polar blast which brought snow to many parts of the country is expected to linger, and more snow is expected in the next few days.

MetService forecasters say further snowfalls are expected in the southern and eastern parts of the South Island, and southern and central parts of the North Island.

The snowfalls were expected to ease on Wednesday and were unlikely to continue down to sea level.

The polar blast which brought parts of Otago to a virtual standstill has loosened its grip this afternoon with melting snow allowing roads to reopen and planes to start flying again.

State Highway 1 between Dunedin and Palmerston has reopened after being impassable until early afternoon, and flights have resumed at Dunedin International Airport. Passengers remain grounded in Queenstown, however, where the runway at Queenstown Airport has been closed all day.

Forecasters have called the weather, which is affecting much of the country a one in 50-year-event, and are warning more is on the way.  

Schools throughout the region told children to stay at home for the day and numerous shops remain closed in downtown Dunedin, leaving central city streets virtually deserted.

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Transport

There has been widespread disruption to state highways in the South. Key routes which are closed include SH6 Queenstown to Kingston and Kingston to Five Rivers; SH93 Clinton to Mataura; SH85 Kyeburn to Palmerston; SH87 Outram to Kyeburn; SH8 Raes Junction to Milton. Other state highways in the South have restrictions. For latest updates click here

The Dunedin City Council has closed Camp Rd, Castlewood Rd, Highcliff Rd, Mount Cargill, and Three Mile Hill Rd after about 5cm of snow fell overnight and police are warning drivers to stay at home. As the snow melts traffic  is starting to move around the central city.

The following Passenger Transport Citibus routes are on limited service (not running to timetable), as at 1.30pm: Normanby-St Clair; City-St Kilda; City-Brighton; City-Port Chalmers; City-Portobello; City-Mosgiel. All hill routes closed till further notice.

Richies Coachlines' routes between The Gardens and Caversham/Andersons Bay are operating.

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Queenstown

Queenstown police are urging people to go out only if they are prepared for the conditions.

"If you do go out, take chains and fit them," Queenstown Sergeant Brian Cameron said. The warning included 4WD's.

All motorists should take warm clothing and food as a precaution, in case of unforeseen delay, he said.

Council contractors were working on clearing main arterials as a priority with up to 20cm having settled on roads in the Wakatipu Basin, Queenstown Lakes District transport manager Denis Mander said.

Although ski areas were enjoying the top up with 20-30cm of fresh powder, skiers heading up the mountains were asked to abide by the chain restrictions and drive with extreme caution.

Meanwhile the Queenstown rubbish collection is postponed today and Queenstown library had a one hour delay in opening but all other Council services are as normal.

Wanaka

Snow was falling in Wanaka this morning and was about 1cm thick over all the roads and has turned to slippery ice.

Downer EDI's Wanaka supervisor Clive James has asked everyone, who has no reason to go out, to stay at home because the roads are so slippery and dangerous, whihc turned Wanaka into a ghost town this morning.

All the schools and early childcare centres decided to close for the day at 8am and school buses did not run due to the snow freezing overnight making roads dangerous.

The Lindis Pass and Crown Range were closed this morning but road crews were trying to get them reopened.

The wind chill factor on the skifield sent temperature plummeting, also forcing the  postponement of the Winter Games freeski slopestyle competition until tomorrow at the Snow  Park.

Skifields report 20cm on new snow on the last 24 hours.

Oamaru

In Oamaru, this morning the snow was not as bad as it was in last months fall, turning to slush and melting rather than freezing as it did then.

Falls to sea level were reported throughout North Otago, with inland areas also receiving a dusting.

The worst hit area was around Corriedale where 10 to 20cm were reported.

Nine rural civil defence sector posts were activated to check on their communities, while the Oamaru headquarters was also staffed to watch the situation.

Waitaki emergency services manager Chris Raine warned residents the worst was not yet over in North Otago, with snow predicted until possibly Wednesday morning.

Clutha

There has been widespread snow in the Clutha District overnight, with at least 7cm in most areas, and over 30cm in high areas such as Waitahuna-Mitchell's Flat, Mahinerangi and Waipori.

Parts of Lawrence and West Otago saw up to 15cm. Large snow drifts are also forming around Heriot and Tapanui.

Graders have begun clearing snow in the Hillend/Mt Stuart, Mitchell's Flat, Finlayson Rd (Taieri Mouth), and Mahinerangi areas.

Graders will also be at the Owaka end of Owaka Valley this afternoon.

The Clutha District Council is encouraging motorists to avoid non-essential travel on local roads.

Access in and out Southland is still limited, with SH1 closed from Gore north, SH6 closed between Kingston and Five Rivers, and SH93 - the back road between Mataura and Clinton - also closed.

Senior Constable Blair Corlet, of Clinton, said there had been no issues with motorists since roads were closed around Clinton last night, but snow was continuing to fall heavily in the area.

"The snow is definitely heavier than last time, the roads icy, and I think people just need to use their common-sense and stay home by the fire today," he said.

Emergency Management Southland's manager Neil Cruickshank said electricity has been cut to much of the south coast from Fortrose to Waikawa but expected it to be restored later this morning.

Central Otago

Central Otago schools were closed today and several Alexandra businesses opened late and planned to close early, because of the snow.

Ranfurly received about 10cm of snow and a handful of businesses closed for the day. The Ranfurly information centre was also closed.

Roads around the district remained treacherous with ice causing as many problems as the snow.

Central Otago District Council roading manager Julie Muir said it was unusual to have snow so widespread throughout the district. Chains were advised on most of the council roads this morning.

State Highway 8 between Alexandra and Roxburgh is now open to traffic with the exception of towing vehicles. Chains are essential. The same applies for the section of highway between Roxburgh and Raes Junction.

Sergeant Andy Reed, of Alexandra, said the roads were clear around Roxburgh but there was still heavy snow around Shingle Creek and Fruitlands. SH6 between Cromwell and Queenstown has opened to chained vehicles. SH 85 between Ranfurly and Omakau is closed due to ice.

Senior Constable Mike Colligan, of Alexandra, said there was hardly anyone on the roads, and "people are behaving really well.''