MetService this afternoon issued road snowfall warnings for Southland's State Highway 94 as well as the Lindis Pass (SH8) in Central Otago, and the Crown Range Road linking Queenstown and Wānaka.
Further north, warnings were in place for Haast Pass (SH6), Arthur's Pass (SH73) and the Lewis Pass (SH7).
There was already snow at the Homer Tunnel today and the road would close at from East Gate (Hollyford) to Donne River (Westgate) at 5pm and stay closed on Friday.
MetService said snow was likely overnight, followed by snow showers throughout Friday afternoon. Between 10cm and 20cm could settle about the tunnel, with lesser amounts to 600 metres.
It was likely SH94 would reopen on Saturday after snow clearing work but this would depend on any increase in avalanche hazard from additional snow and rain falling later in the day, Milford Road Alliance advised.
The avalanche threat remained low this afternoon. However, heavy rain, hail and snow down to 600 metres had been forecast until Monday, increasing the risk.
MetService said more was likely from 11pm today until 5am tomorrow, with up to 5cm accumulating above 700 metres and lesser amounts lower down.
A spokesman for the Queenstown Lakes District Council said it was wet around the district and motorists should keep an eye out for ponding water and minor rock falls through the Cadrona Valley and parts of the Glenorchy Rd. It was also wet through the Whakatipu Basin and Upper Clutha basin.
Snow was also expected to affect the Lindis Pass in Central Otago in the early hours of Friday morning, with up to 5cm settling above 700 metres, while up to 3cm could settle at the summit of the Haast Pass.
In Canterbury, snow was also expected to affect Arthur's Pass (SH73) from 11pm today until 10am on Friday, with up to 4cm accumulating above 800 metres. More snow showers were possible throughout the afternoon.
And up to 5cm of snow was forecast to settle near the summit of the Lewis Pass on Friday morning. The road would continue to be affected by snow showers throughout the day.
Meanwhile, a strong wind watch has been issued for the Grey District and Westland District, north of the glaciers, and the Canterbury High Country, about and north of Aoraki/Mt Cook.
Northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places early on Friday morning until about 8am and the watch could be upgraded to a warning.
- ODT Online
