22 Jun 2013

More heavy snow for South Island

3:30 pm on 22 June 2013

Heavy snow and flooding in the South Island has caused another day of power cuts, flight cancellations and road closures.

Snow again fell heavily in inland parts of Otago and Southland, and extended its reach to some coastal areas including Oamaru on Friday.

Teams are working through the night to clear some of the major roads. The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) said on Friday that staff would concentrate on State Highways 1 and 8.

More than 30 roads have been closed by slips around Dunedin, including a large one blocking State Highway 1 north of the city.

The NZTA said the slip is south of Waikouaiti, near the intersection with Apes Road and covering both sides of the highway. Significant delays are expected and a detour is in place via Karitane.

Flights across the south were stalled by the storm's impact further north. Most flights in and out of Dunedin were cancelled on Friday, and though Christchurch flights were continuing to operate, some regional link services were cancelled.

About 100 customers in Otago were without power on Friday night.

Snow and below zero temperatures kept thousands of students at home across much of the South Island. About 115 schools in Canterbury, the Dunedin area, Southland, Central Otago and Nelson were closed.

North Otago was hit by flooding earlier this week, but the local Civil Defence said it has not had any reports of serious hardship, though the storm could start to cause problems if the conditions persist.

The Danseys Pass Coach Inn and several farms became isolated on Monday when flooded rivers knocked out the bridges, roads and phone lines.

Hotel owner Monica Blaser said the snow was up to her waist on Friday and stopping anyone moving beyond the verandah. Six staff are holed up in the hotel and she expects it to be well into next week until the snow starts melting enough so they can move.

Canterbury

Power has been restored to about 400 properties around Burkes Pass in the Mackenzie Country. Lines company Alpine Energy said the properties were reconnected about 2.30pm on Friday. However, about 23 customers in Hurunui still have no electricity.

Heavy snow that blanketed Fairlie has eased. Mackenzie County Civil Defence management officer Ray Gardner said 15cm fell on the town on Thursday, but only 2.5cm overnight. However there had been a frost, which would mean black ice on the roads.

Flooding closed roads in the eastern suburbs of Christchurch, including part of Anzac Drive, Owles Terrace and Avonside Drive on Friday, while cars were stranded on Dyers Pass Road in the Port Hills due to snow.

Hill roads were dangerous for motorists and through bus services were running, they were not able to reach the hill areas.