A truck became stuck near Burkes Pass in the Mackenzie Basin on Thursday morning as snow and flooding continued to affect South Island highways.

Road snowfall warnings remain in place for Canterbury’s alpine passes, with motorists urged to plan ahead and take extra care, particularly on inland roads.

In its 7.30am update, the NZ Transport Agency said State Highway 87 between Middlemarch and Outram in Otago had reopened after being closed overnight because of snow.

However, State Highway 96 at Oreti Plains in Southland remained closed because of flooding between Riverside Road and Ryan Road.

A detour is available, with westbound traffic directed right onto Riverside Road, left onto Ryan Road and back onto SH96. The reverse applies for eastbound traffic.

NZTA said snow warnings remained in place on several highways, including SH87, State Highway 85 and State Highway 8 at Lindis Pass.

MetService had lifted its Road Snowfall Warnings for Lindis Pass and Haast Pass, but warnings remained for Canterbury’s alpine highways.

The disruption follows Wednesday’s arrival of a cold front, which brought snow to State Highway 6 between Lowther and Parawa in Southland and surface flooding to sections of State Highways 96 and 99, as well as SH1 in central Dunedin.

NZTA urged drivers to take care and drive to the conditions. Travellers have also been advised to carry warm clothing, food and water, and ensure they have enough fuel or battery range in case of delays or detours.