South faces big snow weekend
Snow is hitting the South Island, closing two major highways between Canterbury and the West Coast and forcing motorists to use chains on several others.
Police, the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and Opus consultants issued a joint statement urging drivers to have consideration for other motorists after a snowrelated incident on State Highway 73, near Arthurs Pass, yesterday morning.
A truck and trailer driver ignored signs at Otira warning that chains were essential and the road was closed to towing vehicles. The driver continued travelling over Arthurs Pass but became stuck, blocking one lane for some time.
Constable Paul O’Hara said the driver’s actions affected many other transport-related businesses and members of the public by causing unnecessary delays.
The blockage prevented road crews from working on the road.
O’Hara said snow warnings were put out to keep all road users safe during winter and it was essential drivers took notice.
Similar incidents would be investigated and drivers could be charged or fined, he said.
State Highway 73 was closed completely between Arthurs Pass and Otira late yesterday, along with State Highway 7 (Lewis Pass), because of snow.
The Christchurch Transport Operations Centre urged drivers to avoid travelling on the South Island’s alpine passes until Saturday if possible.
‘‘Snow has caused hazardous driving conditions on the Arthurs and Lewis passes,’’ spokesman Luke Thomas said.
‘‘Contractors are working hard to keep these passes open but it is possible that they may have to be closed overnight.’’
NZTA Canterbury/West Coast journey manager Lee Wright said snow was forecast to fall down to 500 metres overnight and state highway contractors were on alert.
‘‘The weather is not looking good for tonight and Saturday morning or Sunday night,’’ Wright said.
MetService has issued a severe weather watch for heavy snow in the Canterbury plains and foothills down to 100 to 200m, and the Mackenzie Country above 500m.
MetService meteorologist Rob Kerr said today would be the ‘‘key’’ day for snow showers around Christchurch.
Snow would mainly Banks Peninsula until affect
late Saturday, he said.
The Port Hills would have flurries settling to a depth of 1 centimetre to 2cm from overnight Saturday. The North Canterbury foothills could have up to 5cm accumulate above 200m to 300m, Kerr said.
Kerr said Christchurch temperatures would not exceed double figures this weekend.
Elsewhere in the South Island, snow could reach sea level near the south coast of the South Island.
Dunedin, Southland, Clutha could expect snow to 100m to 200m inland. The Central Otago and Lakes District, and Northern Westland and Buller, could also expect heavy snow above 500m.