Caution on State Highway 2

Drivers are asked to use extreme care when travelling in the hill country today.

Snow still falling in the Wharerata ranges is causing difficulty to vehicles travelling between Bartlett’s Hill and Morere on State Highway 2.

“For everyone’s safety please don’t go and visit the snow today which is on the roadway,” says Tairawhiti Roads journey manager Helen Harris.

“There is a risk of vehicles getting into trouble or having a car accident, so if you must drive through the area please use extra care and drive to the conditions.”

Tairawhiti Roads, Fulton Hogan and Gisborne Police have been in the Whareratas assessing the highway and monitoring traffic this morning.

“We’ve had trucks continuously laying grit, but in some cases trucks have been stuck.”

Large amounts of snow are expected in the hill country between Gisborne and Mohaka through until Friday morning.

Civil Defence Emergency Management has issued a severe weather warning for the area stating snow above 200m, blizzard like conditions and bitter southerly winds.

Roadmen from Downer are assessing and grading roads in other parts of the network, including Tiniroto roads which are still open. State Highway 2 Matawai to Opotiki is also open.

People are asked to use extreme caution when driving.

Check council’s website www.gdc.govt.nz and www.nzta.govt.nz for updated road conditions.

For the latest weather forecast go to http://metservice.com

ENDS

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