New Zealand

Snowfall and ice warnings for South Island now lifted

16:56 pm on 7 June 2020

Snowfall and ice warnings for the lower South Island have now been lifted.

File photo. Photo: 123rf

The warnings today came after a night of low temperatures.

The coldest place overnight was Tekapo at -6.6C, followed by Pukaki Airport with -5.9C, Alexandra with -4.8C and Christchurch Airport with -3.3C, MetService reported.

Further north, the warmest part of the country was Auckland, with an overnight temperature of 12C.

Sleety showers are still possible on Milford Rd between now and early tomorrow.

But snowfall warnings are no longer in place for Milford Rd, Lindis Pass, Arthurs Pass, Lewis Pass, Haast Pass, and Crown Range Rd.

Christchurch Fire and Emergency has warned motorists to take care, after several cars came off the road on black ice.

The Old Waimakariri Bridge on Main North Road in Christchurch was closed after a vehicle crashed through the bridge's railings and into a creek at about 5.45am. The driver was not injured.

Frosts are expected in the South Island again tonight.