05 Oct 2022 | 05:44 AM UTC
New Zealand: Heavy snowfall forecast across South Island and southern and central North Island through at least Oct. 6
Heavy snowfall forecast in South Island and parts of North Island, New Zealand through Oct. 6. Transport disruptions possible.
Event
Heavy snowfall is forecast in South Island and southern and central North Island through at least Oct. 6. The New Zealand National Meteorological Service (MetService) forecast that intense cold will spread northwards across the country through Oct. 6, bringing unseasonably low snow to the South Island and the lower North Island. Heavy snow may disrupt travel and could damage trees and powerlines, while cold conditions may cause stress for livestock. Gales are also possible in the east of the country, from Invercargill to Wellington. As of Oct. 5, the MetService has issued the following weather warnings:
Orange (middle level on a three-tier scale) Heavy Snow Warning: Banks Peninsula, Clutha, Dunedin, Fiordland from Te Anau southwards, Central Otago south of Alexandra, the Southern Lakes District south of Queenstown, Southland, and Stewart Island.
Yellow Heavy Snow Watch: the Canterbury High Country and foothills, Marlborough south of the Clarence River, Central Otago from Alexandra northwards, North Otago, the Southern Lakes District from Queenstown northwards, Wairarapa including the Tararua Range south of Mount Bruce, and the eastern hills of Wellington.
Road Snowfall Warning: Desert Road (SH1), Dunedin to Waitati Highway (SH1), Remutaka Hill Road (SH2), Napier-Taupo Road (SH5), Haast Pass (SH6), Lewis Pass (SH7), Lindis Pass (SH8), Arthur's Pass (SH73), Porters Pass (SH73), Milford Road (SH94), and Crown Range Road.
Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
In addition to the heavy snow, strong wind gusts will likely lead to periods of blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. Blizzard conditions are possible. Sporadic power outages are possible throughout the affected area.
Transport
Heavy snow will likely make driving hazardous in some areas; authorities could implement temporary road closures or detours in such locations. Mountain passes and tunnels could close as a precautionary measure during periods of intense snowfall. Flight delays and cancellations are possible at airports across the affected region, especially in areas where strong winds are likely. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather-related updates and advisories. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast; plan for possible delivery delays throughout the affected area. Allow extra time to reach destinations and carry an emergency kit and warm clothes if driving is necessary, especially on secondary or rural routes that could become impassable. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
