Adding to the deluge event last night was the possibility of snow at higher levels around Dunedin and further inland.
A road snowfall warning for the Dunedin-Waitati Highway (State Highway 1) is in place until 2pm today.
Up to 10cm of snow was expected on the road above 300m, though a later update said it was unlikely to settle at the summit. Snow levels could also lower to 200m further inland.
A heavy snow warning was in place for inland Otago and Southland, north of Lumsden, until 6am.
Between 400m and 600m, 15cm-30cm of snow was expected, especially south of Queenstown to Middlemarch, but accumulations could exceed 1m above 800m, the MetService said.
Meanwhile, flooding remains an issue in many parts of Otago, with a State of Emergency declared in the Waitaki District, and reports of surface flooding this morning as far north as Ashburton in Mid Canterbury. People are urged to travel with care.
Closures due to snow and ice
• State Highway 8, Fairlie to Lake Pukaki, Mackenzie Basin
• State Highway 8, Omarama to Tarras (Lindis Pass), Otago/Canterbury
• State Highway 87, Kyeburn to Outram, Otago
• State Highway 85, Kyeburn to Palmerston, Otago
• State Highway 85, Alexandra to Kyeburn, Otago
Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook Village in the Mackenzie Basin recorded about 25cm of snow over the last 12 hours, and more snow showers were possible throughout the day, a spokesman for the New Zealand Transport Agency advised this morning.
"Crews will be working to clear snow and reopen highways, but this will depend on conditions today."
Closures due to flooding
• State Highway 83 is now closed between State Highway 1 and Seven Mile Road in North Otago.
• The State Highway 1 closure north of Oamaru now extends from Oamaru to Glenavy.
• State Highway 88, Station Road to Borlases Road, Sawyers Bay to Port Chalmers, near Dunedin. A detour is available via Station Road, Stevenson Avenue, and Borlases Road.
People are urged to avoid closed sections of highway and to take extra care when travelling today. On other stretches of highway, while not closed, NZTA warnings are in place and several MetService warnings remain for the South Island.
"With snow closures and more snow possible, people are advised to carry warm clothes, water and food in case they get stuck, or need to stop and wait for the weather to pass. Ensuring sufficient battery range or petrol in the tank is also advised in case there are detours and diversions required."
In heavy rain and flooding, NZTA reminded people to think about adjusting their speeds and travelling distances, avoiding sudden braking, and staying visible (using headlights in daytime hours). People are also urged to avoid driving through floodwaters where the depth is unclear and there may be hidden obstructions.
Essential travel only in parts of Central Otago
In parts of Central Otago, extreme caution was needed and essential travel advised only, as there is thick snow in areas, the district council advised.
"Crews continue to grit and clear snow around the network. Caution around trees as we are starting to see several branches/ trees down due to the weight of the snow."
There is thick snow in the Maniototo and Manuherekia areas and road users were asked to please delay journeys, where possible. "If you do have to drive, please reduce your speeds."
Roads closed are: Kyeburn River Road, Ranfurly Naseby Road, Saint Bathans Loop Road, Ida-Valley Omakau Road from Boundary Rd intersection to SH85 and Danseys Pass Rd, from Naseby is now closed from Naseby.
There were no issues to report in Alexandra, Roxburgh and Cromwell.
Chains essential on Crown Range
A road snowfall warning was in place for the Crown Range until 3am and the alpine road linking Queenstown and Wānaka is open.
However, chains must be fitted while crews clear snow and apply grit. Chain fitting checkpoints are in place, and motorists should be prepared to stop and fit chains at designated areas. Conditions will be reviewed and updated as they change.
Other roads in the area and Wānaka are open, but care needed due to wet and icy conditions.
- Wānaka has wet roads and precautionary grit has been applied around Glendhu Bluffs.
- Kawarau Gorge has ice in patches - be extremely careful if traveling through there.
- Queenstown Hill and Fernhill has a mix of wet and dry road conditions this morning.
- Arrowtown and Dalefield are experiencing light drizzle with wet roads, with temperatures around 3°C.
- Glenorchy Road - Mostly wet roads. Localised precautionary gritting has been carried out where needed.
- additional reporting Allied Media
