High winds across Otago and Canterbury – motorcyclists and drivers of high-sided vehicles need to take care, 11.45 am update

The NZ Transport Agency advises drivers, particularly of high-sided vehicles, and motorcyclists to take care today as high winds and dust affect driving safety across much of the South Island.

“Dry hillsides and paddocks are creating dust storms and poor visibility in many parts of the South Island which will continue until the nor-westerly conditions ease, possibly later today,” said Transport Agency Journey Manager Lee Wright.

State highways particularly affected by the high winds include: State Highway 1, through Canterbury and Otago along the coast, in particular Palmerston to the Waitaki Bridge, and between Dunedin and Balclutha, State Highway 80 to Aoraki/Mount Cook, State Highway 73 between Canterbury and the West Coast, State Highway 87 Middlemarch to Dunedin, State Highway 83 Omarama to Pukeuri and State Highway 8 through the Lindis Pass from the Mackenzie Basin to Twizel.

Update Hanmer Springs SH7A
Although the fire reignited near Hanmer Springs this morning, the main highway was still open at11.30 am, just down to one lane with Stop/Go manual traffic management. People heading to Hanmer Springs should check the Transport Agency’s map to ensure the road is still open before they leave and be prepared for the situation to change.

Update SH94 Te Anau to Milford Sound – next update 1 pm
This road was closed last night due to the potential for a slip to break out again in the Lower Hollyford Valley with the heavy rain. The road has this morning been closed from Mackay Creek due to trees falling and may take two hours to clear. Drivers intending to get to Milford Sound should check the map for updates. It will be updated at 1 pm today on that map.

ENDS

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