Snow in Southland predicted to continue for at least 24 hours
Posted on Monday, 15 August 2011 09:37 a.m.
The snow and ice affecting most of Southland is likely to continue for at least another 24 hours.
MetService has issued a new severe weather warning, which forecasts a further 15-25cm of snow to accumulate in Fiordland and Southland above 200m and 5-10cm to near sea level. The forecast is for snow to ease later on Tuesday.
This means that roading conditions are likely to remain a problem all over Southland, Emergency Management Southland’s Manager, Neil Cruickshank, said.
Access in and out of the region is still restricted, with SH1 closed from Gore north, SH6 closed between Kingston and Five Rivers, and SH93 – the back road between Mataura and Clinton – also closed.
Heavy snowfalls have been reported over much of Northern Southland. As of 9.30am civil defence has not received any reports of the snow causing significant problems, aside from on the roads, Mr Cruickshank said. However, electricity has been cut to much of the south coast from Fortrose to Waikaka. “We are expecting it to be restored later this morning.”
Motorists should exercise extreme caution on all roads. Those not affected by snow could have black ice.
Up to date information on state highways is available on the NZ Transport Agency’s website http://www.nzta.govt.nz – follow the link on the home page.
Information is also online at www.civildefence.co.nz
Environment Southland is the brand name of Southland Regional Council.