If a patch of road looked wet or damp, drivers should assume it was black ice and let their car slow and brake gently, police said. Photo: 123rf
Southland drivers are being warned as roads freeze over.
South Island police have received multiple reports of black ice on roads, as temperatures dropped below freezing on Friday morning.
Combined with thick fog and clear skies, motorists needed to be on the lookout for ice, fog or excess grit on the road, police said.
If a patch of road looked wet or damp, drivers should assume it was black ice and let their car slow and brake gently.
Freezing fog around Alexandra through to Cromwell, Upper Clutha and Tarras, posed extra risks.
Freezing fog is when tiny, super-cooled water droplets freeze instantly on exposed surfaces.
Police urged drivers to take extra caution and not take unnecessary risks.
Meanwhile, it was the coldest start to the year at Auckland Aiport this morning, with a temperature of 3 degrees.
It was still somewhat warmer than the minus 7.6 at Mt Cook, MetService says.