Snow over Te Waipounamu/the South Island this week – expect changeable highway conditions – 11 am update

Challenging driving conditions could continue all this week across the South Island, warns Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

By 11 am today just three routes were closed, however this could change. Many routes in Otago, Southland and Canterbury/the West Coast have warnings over them for strong winds, ice and winter driving conditions.

People should check the Waka Kotahi map and MetService snow forecasts.

Journey Planner(external link)

Closed currently due to snow – Otago/Canterbury

SH8 Fairlie to Twizel, Burkes Pass

SH85 Palmerston to Kyeburn

SH87 Outram, west of Mosgiel, to Kyeburn

Canterbury: Not closed but snowing and chains needed some routes

SH73, Porters Pass, Springfield to Castle Hill and Arthur’s Pass to Otira: Chains essential, no towing vehicles.

SH7, the Lewis Pass north and west of Waipara: Snowing down to Shale Peak, snow Weka Pass to Hurunui, strong winds – care needed, especially high-sided vehicles.

Porters Pass Sunday evening, 7 August, SH73: Vehicles had to be towed before the route could be reopened around 8.30 pm after closing earlier.

Crown Range

Chains are needed this morning on the Crown Range Road between Wanaka and Queenstown. Updates at https://www.facebook.com/QLDCinfo(external link)

Mossburn to Te Anau, SH94 Southland

Care is needed on this route due to snow and ice.

Dunedin to Waitati, SH1

Ice along this route, drivers need to take care.

People heading over alpine passes or driving inland of Dunedin, or through Central Otago, should check the Waka Kotahi traffic map and also MetService forecasts and updates:

Journey Planner(external link)

MetService road snowfall warnings(external link)

Simple rules for safe winter travelling

• allow extra time and stay up to date with both road updates and weather forecasts
• ensure your vehicle is safe for winter driving (warranted, windwipers/lights working, spare tyre, chains if in snowy areas)
• drive to the road and weather conditions
• slow down and be prepared for unexpected hazards
• allow greater following distance between you and the vehicle ahead
• make sure your cell phone is well charged, check car charger also
• have blankets, snacks, bottles of water ready in case of emergency or a breakdown.