MEDIA RELEASE

31 May 2016 | SOUTHERN REGION

Snow falling around South Island – carry chains

Snow has been falling steadily on State Highway 73, Porters Pass, between Springfield and Arthurs Pass in Canterbury this afternoon. Between 10 and 15 cm was forecast.

Drivers should travel with chains and take care if they are crossing the alpine passes, says NZ Transport Agency Journey Manager Lee Wright. ”Adjust your speed and following distances if conditions deteriorate,” she said.

Around midday today the Lindis Pass, State Highway 8, between Omarama and Tarras, was closed for a short time while two trucks were extricated from the snow and ice.

Winter driving conditions requiring care in the snow and ice also applied to other South Island highways like State Highway 85 Ranfurly to Palmerston and the Milford Road.

Update from Queenstown Lakes District Council – icy overnight:

QLDC contractors have advised that the area is in for some very low overnight temperatures. This, combined with the current wet conditions around the district, could lead to widespread ice on the roads overnight and early tomorrow morning.

• For the updated list of driving conditions please refer to the Traffic and Travel map on the Transport Agency’s web page, check Facebook NZ Transport Agency South Island and Twitter West Coast/ Canterbury or Otago /Southland, or phone 0800 4 Highways.

• People can sign up to get email updates on road closures atHighwayinformation@nzta.govt.nz

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