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.

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.

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