Cold snap brings rain and snow for South
Severe weather, including snow and flooding, has disrupted travel across New Zealand's South Island, leading to temporary highway closures. While some routes have reopened, authorities are urging caution as unsettled weather conditions persist.
Why it matters
Infrastructure resilience and public safety during extreme weather events are critical concerns for regional transport authorities.
Two state highways in the South have reopened after bad weather but road users are advised to drive with caution where snow and flooding remain. State Highway 87 between Middlemarch and Outram reopened early on Thursday morning after snow, and in Southland SH96, at Oreti Plains, was open by 11.30am after a closure due to flooding that began on Wednesday. While the section of SH96/Winton-Wreys Bush Highway between Riverside Rd and Ryan Rd was now clear, people were asked to travel with extra care on this route, the New Zealand Transport Agency advised. The unsettled weather was expected to continue. A warm front arriving on Friday night may elevate the risk of avalanche in the Milford Road area (SH94) in Southland, which is currently low. Sleety showers were possible on Thursday and there may be snow to road level on Saturday, the Milford Road Alliance advised.
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