Very cold temperatures forecast overnight Southland, Otago, parts of Canterbury – drivers be prepared

Otago and Southland people should be ready for icy roads overnight and Thursday morning, 6 July, says John Jarvis, Senior Network Manager, NZ Transport Agency.

“We are anticipating the coldest night of the year to date with very cold, widespread temperatures across Southland, Otago and parts of Canterbury. Drivers should expect ice and if people can start work later in the morning, do so.

“When driving, slow down and drive to the conditions. Many roads will be gritted, which also require slower speeds, and there is likely to be black ice in remote places, in shady areas and on bridges,” he says.

Temperatures as low as -7 degrees overnight are forecast by MetService for a number of inland areas. Mt Cook dropped to -9 last night. Drivers should carry chains if driving in alpine areas and where snow is expected.

The Transport Agency’s Winter Journeys campaign aims to encourage drivers to be safe and plan ahead to reduce the risk of crashes over the winter months.

“Be prepared for winter driving conditions by checking your car and the road conditions before setting off,” says Mr Jarvis. “Use the NZ Transport Agency’s Winter Journeys and the Traffic & Travel web pages for helpful tips on how to make journeys safer.”

How to stay up to date:

• Find safe winter driving tips at www.nzta.govt.nz/winterjourneys

• The key traffic and travel source which provides up-to-date information on weather and road conditions is www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic

• Important information is also shared via the Transport Agency’s official Twitter and Facebook accounts listed here https://www.nzta.govt.nz/contact-us/connect-with-us/

• Drivers can also call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) to speak to the call centre team for traffic and travel information.

• MetService facebook page updates. https://www.facebook.com/MetService

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