Warning to motorists, but brighter outlook
ANOTHER cold snap may cause disruption for many around the southern region this morning, but MetService says it should not last long.
Meteorologist Mark Bowe predicted snow would fall to 100m around Otago and Southland following a polar front which crossed the South Island last night, and roads may be icy at lower levels this morning.
‘‘Any terrain above 100m can expect some snow.
‘‘With the showers and cold temperatures, there will also be quite a lot of ice around the roads.
‘‘Driving conditions will be quite hazardous.’’
Late last night snow and ice had already closed SH87 between Outram and Middlemarch, SH93 between Clinton and Mataura and SH94 between Te Anau and Milford Sound.
Laura Phillips Williams told the Otago Daily Times a thick layer of snow had covered her property, which was 325m above sea level, in Slope Down Rd south of Clinton.
It started snowing yesterday morning before becoming heavier about 11am. Southern District Police also warned Dunedin motorists to be cautious on the roads and postpone any unnecessary travel.
Snow showers are expected to last until 9am today on the Lindis Pass (State Highway 8) and until noon on the Crown Range Rd, Milford Rd (SH94), and the Dunedin to Waitati Highway (SH1).
Mr Bowe believed the chilly weather would ease to isolated showers this afternoon.
He said a ridge of high pressure would build over the country from tomorrow, bringing clear skies, light winds and temperature highs up to 13 degC in Coastal Otago, and about 9 degC in Central Otago.
But the preexisting snowfall would bring down the overnight minimum temperatures for most parts of the country, and he warned southern residents to be wary of frosts and black ice on Thursday and Friday mornings.
A Dunedin City Council spokeswoman said staff and contractors were aware of the weather warning and the usual preparations were in place.
Contractors would be monitoring the situation overnight, the spokeswoman said.