Another week of wild weather is looming for the South Island – and road users are once again being asked to be prepared and travel with caution.

From tomorrow, snow is expected to fall in Southland, Otago and Canterbury, as low as 200m above sea level in places, according to MetService. It has issued snow alerts and warnings for South Island mountain highways and alpine passes.

Some of the largest snowfalls are expected on the Milford Road/State Highway 94, where a closure is already planned for 5pm today in anticipation of the snow. MetService says about 15-25cm may accumulate tomorrow about the Homer Tunnel entrance, and 2-5cm at Knobs Flat from around dawn.

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Crown Range Road, Haast Pass (State Highway 6) and Lindis Pass (State Highway 8) are all expected to see snow to a lesser degree. Further north, Arthur’s Pass (State Highway 73) can also expect snow, while Lewis Pass (State Highway 7) may get up to 10cm on the ground about the summit.

Snow may continue falling through to at least Friday in some parts. 

In addition to the snow, thunderstorms may also impact the island from tomorrow, while strong wind gusts and rain are also on the cards. Ice may also be an issue on some highways later in the week after the snow and rain has moved through.

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and its contractors will be monitoring the situation and working to keep the highways clear, or closing roads when necessary for peoples’ safety. 

Road users should adjust their driving to the conditions: make sure you are visible, reduce your speed, adjust your travelling distance behind other motorists and avoid sudden braking or turning movements.

People can plan ahead by visiting our Journey Planner site, and helpful tips about winter driving can be found here.