New Zealand

South Island: What you need to know

18:02 pm on 18 June 2015

Snow and high winds are causing disruption across the South Island. Check updates for weather, roads, schools and flights here.

A screenshot of MetService's rain radar for the South Island at 2pm. Photo: MetService

Weather

  • A heavy rain warning is in place for Westland, the Buller ranges, the Nelson ranges and, in the North Island, the Tararuas.
  • Heavy snow is expected in parts of Otago and Canterbury, including around Ranfurly and Arrowtown.
  • A strong wind warning is in place for Canterbury, especially close to the foothills.
  • Warnings for heavy snow and severe gales in Southland have been lifted.

Check the latest severe weather warnings on MetService's website.

Power cuts

  • Hundreds of homes in Canterbury's Mackenzie District are without power after heavy snow knocked out Alpine Energy's network in Geraldine.
  • Power is not expected to be restored until 8pm.
  • Homes in the Fairlie, Burkes Pass, Mount Dobson and Opuha areas are affected.

Aurora Energy has also warned of possible power cuts in Otago, depending on snowfall.

People are advised to have adequate food supplies and an alternative source of heating and cooking, along with warm clothing and bedding, a torch and battery radio.

Roads

At 5.30pm, eight state highways were closed because of ice, snow, frost and gales. The following highways will remain closed overnight:

  • SH 73 Springfield to Arthur's Pass (Porters Pass)
  • SH 6 Haast to Makarora
  • SH 8 Lindis Pass
  • SH 6 Fox Glacier to Haast
  • SH 94 Te Anau to Milford
  • SH 8 Omarama to Fairlie
  • SH 80 Mount Cook Highway
  • SH 79 Geraldine to Fairlie

    • NZTA has also issued a flooding warning for SH6 from the Fox Glacier to Haast in the Westland National Park.

    Check updates on the NZTA's website and Dunedin City Council's website.

    Flights

    • Several flights in and out of Queenstown Airport have been cancelled due to snow and high winds.
    • Travellers are being asked to contact airlines directly for flight information.

    Schools

    • Wakatipu High, Remarkables Primary, Queenstown Primary and St Joesph's Primary were all closed today.
    • Arrowtown Primary School wrote on Facebook at about 11.30am that it would also be closing today due to snow, and that children would be looked after until they could be collected.