Several South Island roads closed tonight; reports of motorists ignoring road closure signs

Lake Ohau Road washout

Rainfall has continued throughout the day with many roads and highways predicted to remain closed across the South Island.

Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher said “the disruption and devastation from the weather events of the past couple of days has been significant, and more than many were expecting.”

Council staff and contractors are assessing damage and prioritising repair work which will be carried out as soon as possible.

In some cases, that will mean waiting for streams to recede before work can start.

Boil water notices on the Otematata and Omarama Water Supplies remain.

Lake Ohau Road washout

Civil Defence continues to support residence and visitors who are cut off. Materials have arrived to begin repairs of the bridge. These are currently being stockpiled beside the bridge.

The council said the had received reports that some members of the public were ignoring the road closed signs. “We must reiterate – please comply with all road signage and advisories.”

The Lindis Pass, SH8, between Tarras and Omarama, will remain closed overnight with fresh snow falling and several areas of slips and flooding.

Waka Kotahi spokesman Graeme Hall said people should delay travel until tomorrow and then check their routes.

The Lindis Pass closure will be reviewed at midday on Wednesday.

North of Omarama to Twizel, SH8, is also staying closed overnight due to flooding and will be reviewed at midday

SH83 Omarama to Kurow remains closed with significant flooding at Otematata township.

The mobile, liquid slip covering the road to Aoraki/ Mt Cook near Whale Stream, south of Glentanner:

The alternate route into Queenstown Lakes District

The alternative route between Otago and Canterbury is SH85 (Palmerston to Kyeburn and Alexandra, called the Pig Route) and SH1. People need to take care on this route as there is surfacing flooding and potholes/pavement damage from recent flooding and snow.

Harder to find a bed

Accommodation in places like Twizel, Fairlie and Tekapo is booking up with the arrival of travellers stalled by the closures of the inland routes. People are advised to pause on their trips earlier and ensure they have somewhere to stay the night before they get there.

Snow falling Burkes Pass, SH8, and other inland routes

Snow is falling on SH8, Burkes Pass, between Twizel and Fairlie.

Travellers are warned to expect snow clearing on the highway and the possibility this road may also close at some point.

NZTA

Mt Cook

The Mt Cook Road, SH80, is staying closed overnight with a big liquid slip 2km south of Glentanner continuing to cover the highway as the rain keeps falling

SH6 Lake Hawea, Otago, north to Haast: 

Closed overnight due to fallen trees, flooding and strong winds. Next update 9 am Wednesday. 

SH77, Rakaia Gorge route, washed out section of highway near Blackford Road

Canterbury highway details

Rakaia Gorge, SH77, Mid Canterbury – closure with a detour around washed out highway

A washout has closed the highway just south of Blackford Road, however a local detour is in place.