Over 40cm of snow for high country; heavy coastal rain
Heavy snow and rain warnings are in place for the Canterbury High Country, including the Mackenzie Basin, and coastal Canterbury respectively.
The heavy snow warning is expected to last 16 hours from 8am today to midnight, the MetService said.
‘‘Rain is forecast to fall as snow down to 400 metres, with heavy snow above 500 metres,’’ the orange warning says. ‘‘Expect 20 to 40cm of snow to accumulate above 500 metres with larger amounts expected above 800 metres.
‘‘Heavy snow may disrupt travel in affected areas and could damage trees and power lines. Cold conditions may cause stress for livestock.’’
The heavy rain warning for coastal areas is in place for 19 hours – from 7am today to 2am tomorrow with 70 to 90mm of rain expected to accumulate below 500m, with heavy snow expected above that.
‘‘Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.’’
A road snowfall warning is also in place for Lindis Pass Rd (State Highway 8) with 10-20cm of snow expected at the summit of the road, with lesser amounts to 400m.
The warning is valid from midday today to 1am tomorrow.
MetService meteorologist Amy Rossiter said the low pressure system spreading south across New Zealand will turn light drizzle in South Canterbury to heavy rain over the next few days.
Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency is asking people to drive to the conditions and be prepared for some disruption on highways and local roads.
‘‘People travelling on alpine roads through Canterbury and Otago and into the Mackenzie Basin (via Burkes or Lindis Passes) and inland Otago should carry chains and be prepared for snow on the road down to 500 metres in some areas,’’ a Waka Kotahi spokesperson said.
NZTA journey manager Tresca Forrester said driving conditions will be hazardous with rain, snow and wind.