MetService is forecasting heavy snow and extremely cold weather for the entire lower half of the South Island, from now until early next week. Here's what you need to know to survive the late winter cold snap.
Snow settles on the edge of Lake Wakatipu in Glenorchy. Photo: Supplied
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Road closures
- Danseys Pass between Naseby and Duntroon
Roads requiring extra care
- State Highway 73 Springfield to Arthurs Pass village (Porters Pass)
- State Highway 73 Arthurs Pass village to Otira (Arthurs Pass)
- State Highway 7 Hanmer Springs turn-off to Springs Junction (Lewis Pass)
- State Highway 8 Tarras to Omarama (Lindis Pass)
- State Highway 8 Fairlie to Twizel
- State Highway 80 Aoraki Mt Cook to Ben Ohau (Mt Cook Rd)
- State Highway 1 Dunedin to Waitati
- Crown Range Road - chains needed
Civil defence advice
- Be prepared for power cuts: have an alternative source of heating (such as a gas heater) and an alternative method of cooking available.
- Stock up on food and water.
- Check on your neighbours.
- Keep a torch, spare batteries and warm clothes handy.
- Keep a safe distance from downed power lines and treat them as live.
- Check the latest road warnings and drive to the conditions.