Polar conditions promise more disruptions

SNOW and hail falling heavily in Dunedin hill suburbs and across parts of the region last night caused several crashes and promised more widespread disruption this morning.

Forecasters expect the polar blast to continue well into today.

Snow was lying on the Leith Saddle at the top of the Northern Motorway by 8.30pm.

A small amount of snow fell at Dunedin Airport but airport officials said flights had landed and departed on time early in the evening and a Virgin Australia flight from Brisbane was expected to land as scheduled at 11.40pm.

Several minor car crashes were reported on State Highway 1 between Gore and Clinton.

A police spokeswoman said noone had been injured in a solo vehicle accident in snowy conditions on State Highway 6 near Parawa shortly before 7pm.

A Gore resident said it had snowed heavily in the town between about 7pm and 8pm.

MetService predicted snow to 200m overnight and a severe weather watch was issued for heavier falls above 400m.

Meteorologist Kyle Lee said earlier in the day 1cm to 2cm of snow could settle on roads down to about 200m and 10cm or more about 400m.

‘‘We’re not expecting it to be too thick around Dunedin. Obviously, there are going to be certain areas that are going to be a bit heavier than others.’’

He warned the snow and ice may not clear until this afternoon, at the earliest.

‘‘It all depends how much sun that parts of the region get.

‘‘The hill suburbs should be prepared for a slippery trek in to work. It may cause traffic problems.’’

Black ice was likely lower down.