More snow is on the way for alpine roads and the Haast Pass will remain shut overnight after a wintry blast dumped heavy falls on highways and skifields.
The Lindis Pass (State Highway 8) and the Crown Range Road, linking Queenstown and Wanaka, were closed on Friday morning but opened again by 1pm.
However, State Highway 6 between Haast Pass in South Westland and Lake Hawea in Otago would remain closed until at least midday on Saturday, owing to heavy snow and fallen trees, Waka Kotahi/NZ Transport Agency said.
MetService on Friday night issued snow warnings for the Crown Range Road and many alpine passes - with up to 30cm expected to fall on Arthur's Pass and up to 20cm on Porters Pass - from Saturday morning until early on Sunday.
Crown Range Road
From 10am until 5pm on Saturday: Snow may affect the road and up to 3cm of may settle near the summit, with lesser amounts to 800 metres.
Lindis Pass (State Highway 8)
From 12pm until 9pm on Saturday: Snow may affect the road and 2cm to 4 cm may settle near the summit, with lesser amounts to 800 metres.
Arthur's Pass (State Highway 73)
From 2pm on Saturday until 3am on Sunday: Expect 20 to 30 cm of snow to accumulate on the road above 800 metres, with lesser amounts at lower levels.
Porters Pass (State Highway 73)
From 2pm on Saturday until 3am on Sunday: Expect 10cm to 20 cm of snow to settle on the road above 800 metres, with lesser amounts at lower levels.
Lewis Pass (State Highway 7)
From 5pm on Saturday until 5am on Sunday: Expect 4cm to 8 cm of snow to settle on the road near the summit, with lesser amounts to 600 metres.
Caution is urged on many roads in the South and chains were advised to be carried.
"Weekend drivers are warned to expect ice on Saturday morning especially on shaded patches of highway and bridge decks", a spokeswoman for Waka Kotahi/ NZTA said.
"People heading over alpine passes should check the Waka Kotahi traffic map first and also MetService forecasts and updates."
Good news for ski fields
The snow forced the closure of several southern skifields on Friday. Cardrona Alpine Resort, the Remarkables, Treble Cone and the Snow Farm were shut. Coronet Peak said it was open, and all vehicles must carry chains.
At 6:52am Cardrona reported blizzard conditions with 120kmh winds at the summit.
Within the past 24 hours the resort has received more than 15cm of fresh snow.
This is the second snowfall to settle in town this winter, after the June 13 storm.
'Weather very unpredictable'
Waka Kotahi journey manager for Canterbury and the West Coast Tresca Forrester told RNZ the South Island's highways were being hit with some unpredictable weather.
"We've got a system coming through today and then more snow is forecast tomorrow on Saturday through the high country in Canterbury and we're expecting some again through the Mackenzie (District) and Central Otago, but we've also got rain and a new system moving in on Monday next week.
She said crews were prepared to handle any issues, and closed roads allowed for snow to be plowed and cleared quicker.
Forrester urged motorists travelling to the lower South Island to carry chains as many of the roads in the area are covered in ice if not snow, particularly on alpine passes.
Meanwhile, Southland's SH96 in Winton has reopened after logs fell from a truck on the road late this morning, closing the highway east of the Egerton Rd intersection.
Simple rules for safe winter travelling
- allow extra time and stay up to date with both road updates and weather forecasts
- ensure your vehicle is safe for winter driving (warranted, windwipers/lights working, spare tyre, chains if in snowy areas)
- drive to the road and weather conditions
- slow down and be prepared for unexpected hazards
- allow greater following distance between you and the vehicle ahead
- make sure your cell phone is well charged, check car charger also
- have blankets, snacks, bottles of water ready in case of emergency or a breakdown.
- ODT Online//Aspen Bruce - additional reporting RNZ
