Snow closes South Island roads

The mercury will plunge to freezing level in Nelson tonight as snow storms sweep parts of coastal Marlborough, Kaikoura and Canterbury.

MetService meteorologist Tom Adams said Nelson’s sheltering southern and western ranges would spare the region from the worst of the bitter weather.

The West Coast was also protected with light rain followed by fine weather, he said.

In Marlborough however snow driven by 110km south easterly gales was expected down to 300m, he said.

The Lewis Pass between the Hanmer Springs turnoff and Springs Junction was closed last night due to snow.

The Inland Kaikoura Rd from Peketa to Waiau was also closed.

The closures meant that The Press newspaper was unable to be delivered this morning.

NZ Transport Agency journey manager Lee Wright advised drivers to postpone travel over affected South Island roads and passes.

Interislander ferry sailings were cancelled today due to expected 8-metre swells.

Snow and rain was expected across parts of the Kaikoura coast and in North Canterbury with south easterly gales to Marlborough and Nelson-Tasman tomorrow.

MetService forecasts warn of severe southerlies, possibly gale, from today through to Friday morning in Nelson Lakes National Park along with some snow.