Southlanders urged to prepare for snow
Posted on Friday, 12 August 2011 10:21 a.m.
Southland farmers are being urged to monitor weather forecasts in the next 24 hours and be prepared to shift stock to shelter ahead of heavy snow forecast for the region this weekend. And families should check their essential supplies in case road closures halt deliveries of grocery items.
MetService has issued a special weather advisory that warns of a cold front likely to arrive over the south of the South Island from Saturday night. The advisory predicts that temperatures will fall sharply “bringing significant snow to sea level from southern Fiordland to the Otago Peninsula”.
On the heels of that advice, Emergency Management Southland is advising farmers and motorists to keep a sharp eye on the weather forecasts today and tomorrow. Manager Neil Cruikshank said that if the predicted snow eventuated, it would bring a return to the conditions the region experienced in late July, when roads were closed right across the south.
Road closures will affect deliveries of fast moving consumer goods such as milk and bread all over Southland and could cause power cuts in rural areas. Mr Cruickshank said that families should check and replenish their essential supplies.
Environment Southland is the brand name of Southland Regional Council.