28 Jun 2021 | 08:33 AM UTC
New Zealand: Heavy Snow Watch and Road Snowfall Warnings active in eastern and southern regions, through at least June 29.
Heavy Snow Watch and Road Snowfall Warnings active in eastern and southern New Zealand, through at least June 29.
Event
Heavy snow is forecast in portions of southern and eastern New Zealand through at least June 29. The affected areas include far eastern Canterbury, far western Hawke's Bay, northern and southern Manawatu-Wanganui, Otago, Southland, and southern Wellington regions. As of June 28, the New Zealand National Meteorological Service (MetService) has issued the following warnings:
Heavy Snow Watch: Banks Peninsula, Fiordland south of Charles Sound, Southland north of Nightcaps and east of Wyndham, Dunedin, Clutha, and Central Otago, Taihape, the Tararua Range, the southeastern hills of Wairarapa, and the eastern hills of Wellington about the Remutaka and Orongorongo ranges.
Snow showers may lead to significant snowpack accumulations in areas located above 400 meters (1,312 feet), though snow levels may drop as low as 100 meters (328 feet). In addition to bringing cooler temperatures and a stronger wind chill factor, heavy snowfall could trigger localized business and utility disruptions in affected areas. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
The New Zealand MetService has also cautioned that significant snow accumulations could impede traffic access or lead to hazardous driving conditions along Crown Range Road, Desert Road (SH1), Dunedin to Waitati Highway (SH1), Lindis Pass (SH8), Napier-Taupo Road (SH5), Milford Road (SH94), and Remutaka Hill Road (SH2). The Road Snowfall Warnings are set to remain active for these roads through early June 29, though the MetService may upgrade, extend, or rescind existing weather alerts as conditions warrant.
Transport
The winter weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions in southern and eastern New Zealand over the coming days. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are possible along regional highways. Difficult and potentially dangerous driving conditions are also likely on secondary and rural roadways in the affected states as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Authorities could close stretches of highway if driving conditions become too hazardous. Gusty winds may threaten to topple high-profile vehicles throughout the affected area.
Flight delays and cancellations are likely due to ground stops and deicing operations at regional airports. As of June 28, all Air New Zealand (NZ) flights operating out of Dunedin (DUD), Invercargill (IVC), and Queenstown (ZQN) airports have been canceled due to low cloud, rain and snow. At least 26 flights have been canceled.
Advice
Monitor local media for updated weather information. Verify road conditions before driving in areas where heavy snowfall is forecast. Allow extra time to reach destinations in these areas and carry an emergency kit and warm clothes if driving is necessary, especially on secondary or rural routes that could become impassable. Plan accordingly for delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages
