Wintry blast brings snow to South Island, closes major roads
A strong southwesterly flow brings snow near sea level across the South Island, closing State Highway 1 and State Highway 87.
A cold weather system is dragging snow across the South Island, with significant falls reaching near sea level in areas including Dunedin. State Highway 1 between Dunedin and Waitati and State Highway 87 from Outram to Middlemarch have closed due to the snow dumping, with road users urged to delay journeys or use alternative routes. Winds are gusting to 120 kilometres per hour, creating dangerous driving conditions across southern regions.
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Coverage across the news outlets we track, as at publication.
What outlets are saying
NZ Herald
South Island snow: Wintry blast to bring snow near sea level
A strong southwesterly flow drags colder air to southern regions.
Otago Daily Times
More snow to near sea level forecast for Dunedin
1News
'Use an alternative route': Snow closes SH1 north of Dunedin
NZTA urged road users to delay their journey or use an alternate route after a dumping of snow closed State Highway 1 between Dunedin and Waitati.
NZ Herald
Dunedin snow: State Highway 87 closed as vehicles become stuck
Road snow warnings cover southern routes as winds could gust to 120km/h.
1News
Major Otago road closures as snow storm strikes south
Dumping of snow closes SH87 from Outram to Middlemarch with caution urged on SH88 at Sawyers Bay.
Newstalk ZB
Weather: Hawke’s Bay under strong wind warning as snow falls in Dunedin
The wild tail end of winter continues today, with snow falling across the South Island and high winds about to batter Hawke’s Bay.
Otago Daily Times
Polar blast could bring ‘dangerous’ driving conditions for Dunedin
NZ Herald
Spring weather forecast: Snow eases as temperatures reach 23C later this week
Temperatures are set to reach 23C in parts of the North Island this week.