Say it ain’t snow! Spring snow warning for Central North Island state highways

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is encouraging people to expect snow on two Central North Island state highways overnight.

Regional Manager Maintenance and Operations Jaclyn Hankin says the Metservice is forecasting snow for State Highway 1 on the Desert Road and State Highway 5 Napier-Taupō Road from late afternoon today.

“People need to remain prepared for winter driving conditions, despite the move to spring earlier this month. Road closures due to the weather are possible, even as we move into the traditionally warmer, drier months.

“Plan ahead, allow extra time for your journeys and drive to the road and weather conditions. Maintain a greater following distance between your vehicle and the one in front, slow down and be prepared for unexpected hazards.”

MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris says with the warm temperatures that have dominated the winter, we've not seen many snowfall events across the North Island this year. However, they are forecasting snow tonight over the higher ranges of the North Island.

“The heaviest snowfall tonight will be near the tops of the central and eastern ranges and we are likely to see significant amounts of snow around the summit of the Desert Road and the Napier-Taupō road, especially as we head towards the early hours of Tuesday morning.”

Other state highways in the Central Plateau may also be affected.

There is also a Heavy Snow Watch in place for Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay and Taupō overnight, with a period of heavy snow above 800m, where accumulations may approach warning amounts. Lighter falls may fall to 600m.

Ms Hankin says people can prepare by ensuring their vehicles are safe, roadworthy and well equipped.

“Make sure you have a safe spare tyre, your lights, brakes and windscreen-wipers are all working, and you have a clean windscreen inside and out. Ensure your cell phone is well charged and carry a car phone charger or power bank. Blankets, snacks and bottles of water are also a good idea, in case of an emergency or breakdown.”

On the West Coast, there is a Strong Wind Watch in place for Taranaki overnight, where southeast winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.

“High sided vehicles and motorcycles should take particular care in strong winds.”

People who need to travel can visit the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner website for up to date information on road closures, detours, road works, traffic and delays.

Journey Planner(external link)

For the latest Severe Weather Information, including Road Snowfall Warnings, visit the Warnings and watches page on the MetService website.

MetService website(external link) 

Winter driving tips

• Check weather and travel conditions on highways before you start your trip and on breaks throughout your journey - use the Journey Planner or call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49).
• Ensure your car is safe and equipped: spare tyre, warrant of fitness up-to-date, lights, brakes and wind-wipers all working, clean windscreen inside and out, check tyre treads to ensure good grip.
• If you are travelling long distances, share the driving and have regular breaks.
• Wear your seat belt throughout the journey and check your passengers have theirs clicked in too.
• Driving on roads that are exposed to snow and ice can be treacherous, so slow down and drive to the conditions, not the allowable/legal speed limit. Increase the following distance between you and the vehicle ahead.
• Be prepared when travelling in case of delays on the road, particularly in alpine conditions. Make sure you have warm clothes/food/water/charged mobile phone. In an emergency, phone 111. Bear in mind some parts of the highway have no cell coverage.
• Learn about winter driving, including how to get your vehicle ready and if you are driving in an area where chains may be needed, practise putting them on before you go so you are not caught out.

Easy tips for safe driving in winter conditions

A MetService graphic showing snow accumulation across the country from 12am Monday 5 September to midday Tuesday 6 September.