South Island winter storm August 2026

The story so far

A significant winter storm was forecast for the South Island from midweek, with up to 500mm of rain possible on the West Coast and snow as low as 400m in central Otago.^{24 Aug} NZTA warned the weather could cause road closures and travel disruptions.^{24 Aug} A slow-moving low-pressure system then brought heavy rain and snow across the South Island, with road closures, avalanche warnings and surface flooding reported.^{26 Aug} State Highway 73 and State Highway 94 were closed, and the storm triggered multiple rockfalls and raised avalanche risks.^{27 Aug}

Latest

Around 45 people were evacuated overnight in Queenstown after heavy rain and slips, and firefighters attended 16 flooding-related calls in areas including Fernhill and Lake Esplanade.^{28 Aug} Heavy rain continues to threaten western South Island regions as the storm system moves across the country.^{28 Aug}

What's next

Forecasters have warned that significant weather will continue through Friday, with heavy rain and snow expected across the South Island.^{27 Aug}

Key moments

1. 24 AugForecasters warn of a significant winter storm heading for the South Island.
2. 26 AugHeavy rain and snow arrive, with flooding, avalanche warnings and road closures reported.
3. 27 AugState Highway 73 and State Highway 94 close; rockfalls and avalanche risk increase.
4. 28 AugAbout 45 people evacuated in Queenstown amid flooding and slips.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.