5.00pm

Two areas of State Highway in the South Island’s Mackenzie Country that had been affected by snow will close again tonight from 6pm due to the ongoing risk.

State Highway 8 between Twizel and Fairlie, and State Highway 80 between Lake Pukaki and Aoraki/ Mount Cook, will remain closed until tomorrow morning. The decision to close these roads again is based on more snow flurries expected overnight, and this combined with snow melt and freezing temperatures will likely mean extremely icy conditions.

It also means crews can continue working on the roads, breaking up ice and spreading grit. Decisions will be made in the morning about when to reopen.

Other South Island highways that had been closed by snow this morning are now open, but motorists are encouraged to avoid travel if they can while the risk from snow and ice remains.

12:50pm

State Highway 73 from Otira to Springfield (Arthur’s Pass & Porters Pass) is now reopened.

State Highway 85 from Kyeburn to Palmerston is also now reopened.

Extraction of stranded vehicles from State Highway 8 continues so that the road between Fairlie and Twizel can reopen later today.

A slip at Gorge Stream on State Highway 7 is currently being cleared so that the highway from Hanmer Springs to Springs Junction can be reopened later today.

Work is continuing to reopen State Highway 87 between Mosgiel and Kyeburn.

Motorists are urged to continue to take care on the roads and plan ahead.

A further update will be provided later today.

10:37am

The South Island woke today to multiple State Highway closures after heavy snow fell in many areas from last night, however roads are now beginning to reopen.

The closures that remain in place across Canterbury and Otago are:

• State Highway 7 from Hanmer Springs to Springs Junction.
• State Highway 73 from Otira to Springfield (Arthur’s Pass & Porters Pass).
• State Highway 8 between Fairlie and Twizel.
• State Highway 85 from Kyeburn to Palmerston.
• State Highway 87 between Mosgiel and Kyeburn.

State Highway 80 between Lake Pukaki and Aoraki/ Mount Cook was also closed due to snow last night, but has now reopened this morning, as has State Highway 79 from Fairlie to Gudex Road, and State Highway 85 between Alexandra and Kyeburn.

Crews are out working to restore access on the other closed highways, but in some cases, snow is still falling. On State Highway 8, stranded vehicles are being cleared to enable the road to reopen.

The polar blast came through yesterday as expected, leaving in its wake up to a metre of snow the crews have been working through the night to clear.

A further update is expected at midday as more information on progress is available.

Motorists are urged to avoid highways that are closed, to drive with caution and plan ahead.

Snow and ice can make travel more hazardous, and motorists should be mindful of speed, travelling distances and visibility.

Winter driving information(external link)

MetService has now lifted heavy snow warnings and watches across much of the South Island, but says snow showers can still be expected today.