Media advisory
Care still required on roads

The district’s drivers are being urged to be extra cautious on the roads with today’s snowy weather likely to mean icy conditions tomorrow.

A wintery blast brought snow down to lake level in Queenstown and to the hills around Wanaka and while the snow fall had lessened by late afternoon, occasional snow showers were being forecast overnight.

Chains remained essential on the Crown Range, which like all other roads in the district was open and passable but those who did not wish to fit chains were being asked to give serious thought to taking the slightly longer route via Cromwell.

Queenstown Lakes District Council transport manager Denis Mander said work would continue on road clearing until later tonight.

“Our contractors will be patrolling until 10pm, clearing the reminder of the snow and then gritting,” he said.

‘They’ll be back on deck from 5.30pm prepping the roads and with temperatures expected to drop to minus 6 overnight, the issue for tomorrow is most likely to be ice.”

He said people would need to drive to the conditions, keeping their speed down and ensuring they left plenty of space between themselves and vehicles in front of them.

QLDC road reports would be available online at the QLDC website and via Facebook and Twitter by 7am. www.qldc.govt.nz

ENDS

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