NZ Transport Agency black ice, snow warning South Island tonight/Monday morning

The general warning for motorists to carry chains on all alpine pass routes continues in the South Island tonight and Monday.

Black ice after today’s snow and sleet may also cause problems for motorists in shaded areas Monday morning, said NZ Transport Agency Journey Manager Lee Wright.

More snow is expected on Porters Pass, Arthur’s Pass (SH73) and the other main route to the West Coast from Canterbury, the Lewis Pass (SH7) tonight. Roads may be closed and chains are essential. Motorists should check the Transport Agency web for updates.

Several South Island highways have snow and ice warnings in place:

• SH87 Middlemarch to Outram
• SH85 Kyeburn to Palmerston, Otago
• SH8 Fairlie to Twizel and Omarama to Cromwell
• SH1 the Kilmog north of Dunedin south to Gore
• SH90 Raes Junction to Mcnab
• SH79 Geraldine to Fairlie
• SH80 Aoraki Mt Cook to Twizel
• SH75 Little River to Barrys Bay, Banks Peninsula.

The mid-Sunday afternoon MetService forecast said to watch for snow showers on high country roads in the South Island and severe frosts.

For the latest on road information, freephone 0800 4 HIGHWAYS, 0800 44 44 49 or visit the Transport Agency’s website: www.highwayinfo.govt.nz(external link) and Facebook page(external link).

For the latest MetService forecasts, check their web site: http://www.metservice.com/national/home(external link)