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Two state highways in the South have reopened after bad weather but road users are advised to drive with caution where snow and flooding remain.
State Highway 87 between Middlemarch and Outram reopened early on Thursday morning after snow, and in Southland SH96, at Oreti Plains, was open by 11.30am after a closure due to flooding that began on Wednesday.
While the section of SH96/Winton-Wreys Bush Highway between Riverside Rd and Ryan Rd was now clear, people were asked to travel with extra care on this route, the New Zealand Transport Agency advised.
The unsettled weather was expected to continue. A warm front arriving on Friday night may elevate the risk of avalanche in the Milford Road area (SH94) in Southland, which is currently low.
Sleety showers were possible on Thursday and there may be snow to road level on Saturday, the Milford Road Alliance advised.
Meanwhile, a flood-hit SH6 (Makarora to Lake Hāwea) remains closed due to ongoing issues following a slip in late August, with escorted convoys operating three times daily, depending on the weather.
On the West Coast, heavy rain watches for the Westland and Buller districts have been lifted.
By 10am on Thursday, MetService had lifted a heavy snow watch for Central Otago, the Queenstown Lakes district and the Mackenzie Basin.
However, NZTA advised care was needed due to snow affecting some roads, including SH87, SH85 and SH8 at Lindis Pass.
"People are encouraged to plan ahead and take extra care when travelling, especially on inland roads, a spokesman for NZTA said.
Road snowfall warnings for the Lindis, Haast (SH6) and Lewis passes (SH7), as well as Porters and Arthur’s passes (both SH73), have also been lifted.
Snow throughout Central, chains for Crown Range
Snow has affected roads throughout Central Otago and crews have worked to clear affected areas.
Surface flooding was expected and road users should take care and drive to the conditions, a spokesman for the district council said.
Danseys Pass was closed from the gates at the hotel to the summit.
Forecast snow did arrive on the Crown Range Road, linking Queenstown and Wānaka on Wednesday night, but the road was cleared and remained open.
However, chains must be carried on Thursday, a spokesman for the Queenstown Lakes District Council said.
Temperatures around the district ranged between 0°C and 3°C. Roads were wet and motorists should expect ice in places.
“Some snow also fell in parts of the Arrow Basin but has not settled on the road."
Essential stabilisation work is being done to the zig-zags down from Crown Terrace to SH6 near Arrowtown.
“A one-lane closure will be in place 24/7 for several weeks, operated by traffic lights. Please allow extra time especially at peak travel periods.”
Slip continues to affect Makarora highway
SH6 Makarora to Lake Hāwea remains closed due to a slip. The highway will reopen daily for three convoys, dependent on weather.
Southbound convoys leave from Makarora Village at 7.15am, 12.45pm, 6.15pm and northbound from Isthmus Peak car park at 8am, 12pm and 5.30pm.
- Allied Media
