Friday 10 July

Snow cuts off Gisborne

MetService predict a further 5cm of snow today to settle between Gisborne city and Mohaka.

Overnight houses in the city and wider district were without power. This morning around 900 customers in the area are still without power. Some customers in Motu are also affected.

Road information:

State Highway 2 remains closed to Wairoa between Morere and Bartletts. NZTA will reassess at 10am this morning, please refer to their website for updates.

State Highway 2 to Opotiki is closed from Matawai to Opotiki. Check NZTA’s website for updates. http://www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/vmssigns/57

Tiniroto Road is closed from Brunton Rd to Frasertown. Contractors are working to get the road open today. This means there’s no alternative route to Wairoa.

Tarewa Road - closed

Mata Road (upper and lower) – closed

Waitahaia Road – closed

Ilungia Road – closed

Takau Road – closed

Rakauroa Road – closed

Pehiri Road – tree down, 4WD access only

Tahora, Parikanapa, Tauwharepapare, Wakarau, Noble Campbell and Wharekopae road – caution advised due to snow and greasy conditions.

Some motorists spent the night in Matawai and Tiniroto hotels and marae after snow forced the roads closed. Civil Defence have contacted them this morning to advise that they stay where they are and they will be updated after the roads are reviewed.

All council sports grounds remain closed until further notice.
Civil Defence emergency manager Louise Bennett reminds people to delay travel plans and check on the websites for updates.

“Please don’t be tempted to take the kids out to the country to play in the snow remember that all the roads are currently closed.
Contractors are working hard to get the roads open.”

ENDS

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