'Extreme care' urged as ice slows travel

A motorist negotiates Union St in Dunedin this morning. Photo ODT
A motorist negotiates Union St in Dunedin this morning. Photo ODT

Icy conditions have caused several accidents on Dunedin roads this morning and disrupted flights at the city's airport.

The city woke to a very cold start, the temperature a numbing -5degC at Dunedin Airport around 7.15am.

Police said damp roads in the city froze overnight and ice had caused ''a number'' of collisions. Roads were slippery and motorists were advised to take ''extreme care''.

At the airport, the icy conditions have caused delays and cancellations. 

 

 

An spokesman said the runway had been closed since about 5am due to black ice. The runway would be inspected again at 9am. 

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Taxi users in Dunedin were reporting waits of up to 45 minutes this morning, owing to the icy roads.

Highways around Otago are all open, but the New Zealand Transport Agency advises of ice on State Highway 6 between Cromwell and the Kawarau Gorge. 

Much of the country was feeling the cold - temperatures in many parts of the central South Island were well below zero, Mt Cook leading the way on -8degC.

Queenstown Airport recorded -3degC at 7.45am, and Alexandra Airport -5degC.

Several Dunedin bus services were disrupted, but the Otago Regional Council advises they are all operating as normal now.

 

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