Two alpine passes in the Mackenzie District have been closed as a severe weather event continues to cause disruption across the South Island.

A Mackenzie District Council spokesperson said Mackenzie Pass and Hakataramea Pass were now closed to all traffic.

The council had a blunt message for anyone tempted to take their chances.

“Please do not drive on closed roads, even if you are confident in the capabilities of your 4WD,” the spokesperson said in an update on Tuesday.

Drivers who crash on a closed road may not be covered by their insurance.

The district often experiences some of the worst driving conditions in the country, and people were being asked to avoid travelling in bad weather altogether where possible.

For those who must travel, the council recommended fully charging phones before leaving, carrying a plastic ice scraper, and stocking vehicles with emergency supplies including blankets, gloves, hats, torches, a first aid kit, tools, snacks and drinks.

Motorists were also advised to check the NZ Transport Agency’s Journey Planner website for the latest state highway closures.

It comes as snow closed roads across the Mackenzie Basin and a rare red heavy rain warning remains in place for parts of Canterbury and Marlborough, with flooding forcing evacuations and highway closures elsewhere in the South Island.