MetService warns of ‘bitter’ cold, snow and strong winds across South Island
A severe polar blast is impacting New Zealand, causing flight cancellations, road closures, and hazardous driving conditions across the South and North Islands. Authorities have issued warnings for motorists to avoid travel in affected alpine and volcanic regions.
Why it matters
Extreme weather events pose significant risks to public safety and infrastructure, requiring timely communication from government agencies.
Two flights into Queenstown have been cancelled and motorists are being advised to avoid travelling on the North Island’s Desert Road overnight as a snow-charged polar blast sweeps up the country.
A powerful southerly change is moving across New Zealand, bringing strong winds, bone-chilling conditions and dumping snow to low levels.
Police said they were alerted to multiple cars stuck in snow on Lewis Pass, east of Springs Junction, about 6.45pm.
Several South Island routes remain under restrictions because of snow, with State Highway 7 closed between Reefton and the Springs Junction turn-off via Rahu Saddle, and between Reefton and the Springs Junction turn-off via Lewis Pass.
In Otago, SH87 between Kyeburn and Outram is closed, with motorists advised to take a detour or delay their journey.
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