Spring continues to live up to its reputation for erratic weather, as more snow is forecast for this weekend in the central and lower South Island, potentially bringing more disruption to travel on state highways.

Fresh off the back of closures of State Highway 7 (Lewis Pass) and State Highway 73 (Arthur’s Pass) earlier in the week due to snow, MetService is warning that about 5 to 8cm of snow may accumulate about the summit on SH7 tomorrow, and about 3 to 5cm about the summit on SH73. Snow is also likely on State Highway 80 near Aoraki-Mount Cook. 

Further south, about 2 to 4cm is forecast tomorrow morning about the summit on State Highway (Lindis Pass) and the Crown Range Road may get 3 to 6cm of snow about the summit. 

About 10 to 15cm of snow may fall about Homer Tunnel on the Milford Road/State Highway 94 tomorrow, and SH94 between Hollyford Road Junction and the Donne River Bridge will close at 5pm today in anticipation of the snow. It is expected to reopen about midday tomorrow once the snow is cleared.

MetService also has a strong wind watch in place tomorrow for Dunedin, Clutha, Southland south of Gore, and Stewart Island, as west to southwest winds approach severe gale force in exposed places.

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and its contractors will have resources at the ready to respond to snow on the highways, and roads may be closed where necessary for peoples’ safety. Following the snowfalls, there is also a risk of ice on the highways that people should be aware of. 

Road users should adjust their driving to the conditions: make sure you are visible, reduce your speed, adjust your travelling distance behind other motorists and avoid sudden braking or turning movements.

People can plan ahead by visiting our Journey Planner site, and read helpful tips about driving in winter conditions:

• Journey Planner(external link)
• Winter driving(external link)

MetService’s map of weather warnings for the South Island.