Snow Closes Key Roads in South Island, Drivers Urged to Exercise Caution

State Highway 8 is currently closed at the **Lindis Pass** between **Tarras** and **Omarama**, as well as further north between **Fairlie** and **Lake Pukaki** due to heavy snowfall. The **Danseys Pass Road** is also closed from the gates past the hotel because of snow and ice conditions on the **Waitaki** side. Meanwhile, **Crown Range Road** remains open, but drivers are required to carry chains.

The **Queenstown Lakes District Council** has implemented checkpoints to ensure compliance with chain regulations, and signage has been placed on either side of the hill. As of this morning, updates on the closures are expected.

Weather Alerts and Road Conditions

**MetService** had issued road snow warnings for several southern highways overnight, including **Dunedin’s Northern Motorway (SH1)**, but these warnings were set to expire at **07:00** today. Nevertheless, the **NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA)** has maintained area warnings for **SH1** north of Dunedin, **SH87**, **SH85**, and **SH94**. Authorities emphasize that drivers should exercise extra caution when travelling through these areas.

Forecasts indicate that frosty conditions over the coming days will create dangerously icy roads. **Katie Hillyer**, a meteorologist with MetService, reported that the heaviest snowfall occurred at lower levels around **Fiordland** and **Southland** yesterday, with notable snowfall also recorded in **Central Otago** and the southern lakes region. Snow fell to about **200 meters** in Fiordland, **300 meters** in many parts of Southland, and **400 meters** in the southern lakes area.

While additional snowfall is anticipated, Hillyer reassured that the accumulations would not be significant. “People will likely wake up to a white dusting on the hills around Dunedin, down to about **400 meters**, with some snow flurries at lower elevations that are unlikely to settle,” she stated.

Advice for Drivers and Ski Enthusiasts

Snow is expected to continue overnight in Southland and Central Otago until approximately **08:00** today. Hillyer noted that the snowfall is beneficial for ski fields across the southern regions. “It’s definitely been a good top-up. There have been some reasonable accumulations, which helps prolong the ski season,” she added.

However, **Mark Pinner**, system manager for NZTA, cautioned that very frosty conditions are likely to persist over the next few days, leading to icy roads. Overnight temperatures are forecasted to drop as low as **-2°C** across much of **Otago** and parts of **Southland** for the remainder of the week.

“Our crews will be out and ready to clear snow and lay grit or a de-icing agent on icy roads,” Pinner explained. “If conditions warrant it, temporary speed reductions or road closures may be implemented.” He urged motorists to drive carefully and adapt to the conditions, which includes being visible, reducing speed, increasing the following distance behind other vehicles, and avoiding sudden braking or turning.

Pinner also encouraged drivers to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys. The combination of snowfall and icy conditions presents challenges for road users, making safety a top priority.