Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Road warnings after long dry spell
Drivers are being warned of slippery roads as much of the North Island is due for rain after more than a fortnight of dry weather.
Photo: RNZ
Summer Ice Alert dust, dirt, oil etc. build up on the road surface. When it rains, the road becomes greasy.
18 dry days an approaching front = slippery roads
For Waikato through to AKL and Northland, summer ice is set to coincide with Monday morning rush hour. pic.twitter.com/TSKNNiA9w7
— NIWA Weather (@NiwaWeather) January 13, 2019
Rain and possible thunderstorms are moving up from the south, bringing a wet start to the week for most around the North Island.
A wet start with a rain laden frontal system moving over the North Island. Many of you would have had a wet commute to work this morning. The hot muggy nights have made way for bands of rain followed by cool south to southwest winds. More on https://t.co/Yjbq0jxdqz. ^MB pic.twitter.com/RnfX7ViWIQ
— MetService (@MetService) January 13, 2019
Police are urging motorists to slow down on roads in the Waikato through to Auckland and Northland, where there could be conditions described as 'summer ice'.
This is when dust, oil and other materials build up in dry spells on the road surface, making it greasy when it rains - with the greatest risk shortly after the rain starts.
Even a little rain after several days of dry weather can trigger these conditions, NZTA says.
NZTA advice in 'summer ice' conditions:
• Keep speeds down on wet roads after a long dry period
• Take extra care on curves
• Increase following distance from vehicles in front of you
• Brake and steer gently
• Allow extra travel time
RNZ
New Zealand's public broadcaster, providing comprehensive NZ news and current affairs, specialist audio features and documentaries.
Radio New Zealand is a Crown entity established under the Radio New Zealand Act 1995. Radio New Zealand News are vital elements in our programming, providing impartial news and information to New Zealanders every day. Radio New Zealand (RNZ) provides listeners with exciting and independent radio programmes in accordance with the Radio New Zealand Charter.
Gordon Campbell: On The Public Sector Carnage, And Misogyny As Terrorism
Ramzy Baroud: NATO’s Never-ending War: The 75-Year-Old Bully Is Faltering
Eugene Doyle: Joining AUKUS Not In NZ’s National Interest
Binoy Kampmark: The Australian Defence Formula, Spend! Spend! Spend!
Ian Powell: New Hospital Building Trumps ‘Yes Minister’ Hospital Without Patients
Mike Treen: Prices Are Still Rising - It's A Cost Of Living Crisis