Strong winds and snow affecting South Island roads
The Lindis Pass, SH8 e
Snow is affecting people’s journeys on the roads in several places around the central and southern South Island.
People should check the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency journeys/ highways map before setting out.
There is a high wind warning for the Coastal Otago and Canterbury areas, with reports now received of trees coming down.
Snow is also forecast for the alpine passes (Arthur’s, Porters, Lewis) and the highway to Akaroa (SH75) later tonight and into Wednesday.
Lindis Pass, Omarama to Tarras – chains required
Snow is falling heavily on SH8, the Lindis Pass, Omarama to Tarras currently. Waka Kotahi requires chains for vehicles and no towing vehicles.
Downer and Fulton Hogan crews are working each end of the Lindis Pass with graders and grit trucks this afternoon.
The Lindis Pass, SH8, after 2 pm today, traffic at a standstill
“If you can avoid travelling through this area today, please take a different route as the situation may worsen in a very short time,” says Robert Choveaux, System Manager for Otago and Southland for Waka Kotahi.
Snow is expected down to 400 metres overnight in South Canterbury and around the area by evening.
As well as affecting SH8 (the Lindis Pass, Omarama to Tarras), it may also affect SH80 (into Mt Cook/ Aoraki), and SH79 (Rangitata to Geraldine and Fairlie).
The Crown Range Road, managed by Queenstown Lakes District Council, is now closed between Eastburn Road and Cardrona Village, due to snowfall.
SH94 into Milford Sound/ Piopiotahi has stayed closed today and will be closed overnight due to heavy snow. There are considerable risks from falling trees and wind as well as the rising avalanche risk, says the Milford Road Alliance team.
Reopening is likely from late Wednesday morning after helicopter avalanche control work and road snow clearing.
Southland highway conditions here: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions/southland
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