Big chill hits South


Central Otago and Queenstown residents are mopping up after heavy rain and snow led to cancelled flights, power outages, and downed trees.

Snow forced the closure of the Crown Range Rd and State Highway 94 between Te Anau and Milford for several hours yesterday.

MetService meteorologist Tui McInnes said while snow in November was "not unheard of'', it was unusual.

Late last night, State Highway 8, on the Ettrick side of Roxburgh, was closed due to flooding.

Since severe weather warnings and watches began in 1990, we've issued snow warnings and watches five times in the month of November.''

A man enjoys the snow at Earnslaw Park, in Queenstown, yesterday. Photo: ODT
A man enjoys the snow at Earnslaw Park, in Queenstown, yesterday. Photo: ODT
Queenstown Airport remained open yesterday, but some flights were delayed or cancelled.

The weather also led to power outages around Arthurs Point, Dalefield, and Lower Shotover.

A total of 537 customers in the Wakatipu area were without power for several hours after snow-laden branches fell from trees and hit power lines in Dalefield.

Power was restored to Arthurs Point about noon and to Dalefield about 3.30pm.

A Queenstown Lakes District Council spokesman said contractors were kept busy clearing fallen trees in Arrowtown, as well as checking other trees around the district for safety.

An 18-year-old man suffered minor injuries after crashing a car into a tree on Queenstown's Gorge Rd at 3am yesterday, police said.

About 2cm of snow settled in Naseby, but heavier snow closed the Dansey Pass Rd and part of Auripo Rd in the Ida Valley.

There were also multiple rock falls and surface flooding throughout the region.

A heavy snow warning remains in place for Northern Southland, Central Otago, and the Southern Lakes District until 9am today.

A MetService spokesman said strong and cold south-to-southeasterly winds would continue to bring wintry conditions to the region until late today.

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