12th August 2011

Be prepared for snow this time

The Canterbury Regional Civil Defence Emergency Management Office is warning Canterbury people to make preparations for snow this weekend to avoid being caught out on Sunday or Monday.

“We know that some people had not topped up their power managers for the recent snowfall in Christchurch City and then had issues getting out to do so. For this forecast, we have time to get prepared on Saturday in case we get snow towards the end of the weekend or early next week,” said Jon Mitchell, manager of the Regional Emergency Management Office.

Mr Mitchell noted that the snow could fall over a wider area this time, requiring back-up plans in the rural hinterland and down to South Canterbury.

“Schools and businesses should have their plans in place today so people have a clear idea what will happen if snow again closes roads and keeps people at home on Monday. Businesses will want to ensure critical staff are prepared for the bad weather.”

Metro bus services is also aware of the weather advisory released yesterday by Metservice. Metro, like other agencies, is monitoring the weather over the weekend and any changes will be notified through http://www.metroinfo.org.nz/, http://www.facebook.com/ChristchurchMetroInfo, the call centre (366 88 55), radio station updates and other media outlets.

ENDS

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