After a day of severe weather impacts across the South Island, road users are being urged to prepare for more snow, heavy rain and ice, with further state highway closures possible into tomorrow.

While the risk from heavy rain and snow has eased in Otago, snow continues to fall in the Mackenzie Basin, where State Highway 8 between Fairlie and Lake Pukaki remains closed.

MetService is warning inland Canterbury and the upper South Island could be affected by more rain and snow overnight and tomorrow.

A rare red heavy rain warning is in place for Marlborough and Canterbury between Ward and Hanmer Springs and southeast of the Awatere Valley, including the Kaikōura Range.

NZTA said the red warning carried the risk of a threat to life from dangerous river conditions, significant flooding, slips and impassable roads.

“Because of heavy rainfall in places today, and melting snow, there is also a risk of ice build up in parts of the South Island over the coming days that people should be wary of. Roading crews will be laying grit and anti ice agents on the highways to assist vehicle traction,” NZTA said.

Strong winds remain a threat on the West Coast, where State Highway 6 between Whataroa and Harihari has again been closed this evening because of the risk from winds in the area.

People are being encouraged to plan their travel carefully, especially on inland state highways, and to be prepared for closures or disruptions.

Drivers should keep up to date with MetService weather warnings and the latest highway conditions on NZTA’s Journey Planner site.