Weather disruptions expected at start of school holidays

A fast-moving weather front is bringing heavy snow, rain, and strong winds across New Zealand as school holidays begin. In the South Island, heavy snow is expected in the Canterbury High Country and plains near the foothills south of Arthur's Pass. MetService forecasts 10-15cm of snow settling above 400m in these areas.

Travel is being disrupted by road closures and snowfall warnings on several state highways. State Highway 94 to Milford Sound was scheduled to close at 4:30pm Saturday due to anticipated overnight snow. State Highway 73 between Springfield and Castle Hill, including Porters Pass, was closed to towing vehicles, and snow chains were required. State Highway 7, including Lewis Pass, was also closed.

In the North Island, severe gales have been recorded, with gusts reaching 157km/h at Cape Turnagain. Wellington is under an orange strong wind warning. The Tararua Range is under an orange heavy rain warning.

Waka Kotahi reported that vehicles became stuck on State Highway 8 near Lake Pūkaki in the Mackenzie Basin, requiring road crews to plough snow to free them.

How it developed

• Sun 27 Sep, 10:25amReports indicate vehicles became stuck on State Highway 8 near Lake Pūkaki and road crews were required to plough snow to assist them.

Where reports differ

• One report states snow in the Canterbury High Country could reach 14cm, while another forecasts 10-15cm.
• Snowfall on State Highway 8 is estimated at 10cm by Waka Kotahi, while another report suggests up to 8cm could accumulate.

Compiled from reports by Stuff, The Press and 1News.