Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

Winter Blast Going Into The Weekend

Winter is here for many parts of the country today and into the weekend, says Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

“Be ready for cold and wintery conditions across the southern and central South Island and the lower North Island as we head into the weekend,” says Tresca Forrester, Waka Kotahi Journey Manager.

“Snow is forecast for Otago, Southland and the main divide through Canterbury. Our alpine passes are likely to see snow this coming weekend and it’s likely restrictions or closures could disrupt travel,” she says.

“People need to drive ready and prepared for the weather.”

Another weather front on Friday is forecast to bring heavy rain and strong winds nationally, with possible squally thunderstorms for western areas.

Slow down

Waka Kotahi crews generally use a combination of CMA (calcium magnesium acetate, a coating which reduces ice) and grit on the roads during winter as ice controllers. “Road users need to drive at much slower speeds in these conditions, gritted or not,” says Ms Forrester.

Waka Kotahi highway patrols are out ahead of the bad weather, grit runs are prepared for snow clearing and will continue through the day and weekend as required. “Allow for much greater braking distances and avoid braking suddenly,” says Ms Forrester.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

“If you are travelling across regions from this weekend we advise you to pack warm clothes, food and keep up to date with weather forecasts and latest roading conditions.”

Snow and fitting chains

People who must travel should be prepared for road restrictions, road closures, and long delays. Drivers should carry chains and know how to fit them, for their own safety and everyone else on the roads.

Carrying chains and knowing how to fit them may be required when travelling on some South Island roads, for example Arthur’s and Porters Passes (SH73), Haast Pass (SH6) Burkes and Lindis Pass (SH8), Milford Road (SH94) and State Highway 75 between Akaroa and Christchurch.

State Highway 7 the Lewis Pass between North Canterbury and the West Coast/ Nelson will be either open or closed.

The Milford Road, SH94, is closing this afternoon at 4.30 pm.(More details below)

Milford Sound/Piopiotahi highway closing today 4.30 pm, likely to be restrictions tomorrow and over weekend

Snow is already affecting SH94, the road into Milford Sound, but crews are aiming to keep the road open this afternoon. It will close overnight from tonight at 4.30 pm.

Heavy snow is forecast for Friday so SH94 may not reopen fully. A convoy in and out is planned when lighter snow is forecast between 10am and 12 noon Friday, depending on the snow clearing progress. Convoy times confirmed at 7:30am Friday. Saturday 11 June to Monday 13 June: 7:30am and 2pm updates will confirm restrictions.

Check here:

Otago/South Westland

Weather forecasts predict some snow overnight on the Lindis Pass, SH8, between Otago’s Cromwell and Canterbury’s Omarama then potentially more widespread snow Friday morning on the Lindis Pass, Queenstown Lakes area, Haast and Kingston. More snow could fall over Otago Friday night and then throughout the weekend.

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.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines


Gordon Campbell: On The US Opposition To Mortgage Interest Deductibility For Landlords


Should landlords be able to deduct the interest on the loans they take out to bankroll their property speculation? The US Senate Budget Committee and Bloomberg News don't think this is a good idea, for reasons set out below. Regardless, our coalition government has been burning through a ton of political capital by giving landlords a huge $2.9 billion tax break via interest deductibility, while still preaching the need for austerity to the disabled, and to everyone else...
More


 
 

Government: Concerns Conveyed To China Over Cyber Activity
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government. “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity... More

ALSO:


Government: GDP Decline Reinforces Government’s Fiscal Plan

Declining GDP for the December quarter reinforces the importance of restoring fiscal discipline to public spending and driving more economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says... More

ALSO:


Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.