Snow falling to low levels across parts of the eastern South Island has shut schools, closed several sections of state highway and caused multiple crashes in Dunedin this morning, with police urging residents to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
MetService reported snow down to 200 metres in Otago and Southland, with Dunedin city receiving significant accumulation. Several schools in the region were closed for the day, and multiple state highway sections were blocked, including SH1 near Dunedin and SH87. Police said they responded to numerous non-injury crashes and vehicles stuck on icy roads.
In Wellington, sleet fell in the capital this morning, with temperatures dropping to 4°C. The cold snap is expected to continue through the day, with a heavy snow warning in place for the Otago and Southland ranges. Motorists are advised to check road conditions before traveling and to carry chains if heading to higher elevations.
Civil Defence has advised people to avoid non-essential travel and to be prepared for power outages in affected areas. The cold weather is forecast to ease by Wednesday, but further snow is possible at lower levels overnight.
