Ice warnings for South

A slip closed a section of Portobello Rd between Beaconsfield Rd and Seaton Rd near Edwards Bay, yesterday. PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSON
A slip closed a section of Portobello Rd between Beaconsfield Rd and Seaton Rd near Edwards Bay, yesterday. PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSON

Motorists are warned to take care today as the first official day of winter brings ice for parts of the South.

The Queenstown Lakes District Council warned to road users about "widespread ice" this morning, affecting the Crown Range, Cardrona to Wanaka, Glenorchy Rd, Fernhill, Kawarau Gorge and anywhere roads were damp.

All highways were open.

However, the New Zealand Transport Agency warned drivers on State Highway 8, the Lindis Pass between Tarras and Omarama, to watch for ice after snow closed the road for a time yesterday.

A warning had been lifted for SH6 Haast To Makarora (Haast Pass), though motorists should drive to the conditions.

Chains were essential for SH73 Springfield To Arthur's Pass and the road was closed to towing vehicles.

Motorists should watch for ice and grit, particularly in shaded areas.

All Central Otago District Council roads were open, but caution was advised. Gravel roads around Omakau were slippery, and passable only in 4WD vehicles, roading authorities said. 

Dansey's Pass Road remained closed due to snow.

MetService meteorologist Lisa Murray said areas of inland Otago would experience temperatures below zero overnight and this morning but a "fine'' long weekend was forecast for most places.

Meanwhile, snow fell on the Crown Range and on Coronet Peak road and settled at Mahinerangi, parts of the Maniototo, the Ida Valley and in St Bathans, yesterday.

Vulcan Hotel co-owner Jude Kavanagh said it was the first snowfall they had had this season and at one point it was "snowing quite heavy, settling and sticking around''. 

Slip closes part of Portobello Rd

A slip closed a section of Portobello Rd between Beaconsfield Rd and Seaton Rd near Edwards Bay, due to steady rain in Dunedin over the past three days. A detour was put in place.

Dunedin City Council roading maintenance engineer Peter Standring said a contractor spent much of yesterday clearing the slip and the road was now "passable'', but further work might be needed. 

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