NZ Police CommCens Alert 05:10 12-06-2006 Canterbury

Location of incident: Mid and South Canterbury

Incident Type: General Road Conditions Warning

Police are receiving significant numbers of calls concerning heavy snow and difficult road conditions throughout Mid and South Canterbury.

Roading authorities have closed SH73 between Springfield and Arthurs Pass (Porters Pass), SH82 bewteen SH1 and SH82 and Kurow, SH8 between Timaru and Lake Tekapo, SH79 between Fairlie and the Junction of SH1 and SH79, SH1 between Ashburton and Timaru.

Police are urging travelling public to travel only if absolutely necessary, and to observe all road closures. Check with the AA to confirm specific road conditions in specific areas at that time.

There are a number of reports of powerlines down in Timaru and surrounding areas and caution is urged around these until power authorites are able to get to them.

Public should listen to local radio stations for up to date reports.

If travel in affected areas is absolutely necessary, then travel carefully and drive to the conditions.

ENDS

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