After several days of warm and dry autumn weather in Canterbury, MetService warns people to be ready for a bit of a turnaround across the central South Island in coming days. 

If conditions deteriorate quickly, roads may be temporarily closed or restrictions put in place so people should check the NZTA Journey Planner before setting out. 

Heavy rain warning for the Kaikōura Coast, Banks Peninsula and Canterbury north of Amberley

Heavy rain is expected from around 4 am Wednesday (30 April) on Banks Peninsula and Canterbury from Amberley north. Drivers need to be alert for fast-rising streams and surface flooding, for example around Lake Forsyth, SH75 – the Akaroa highway. 

The rain is likely to get to the Kaikōura Coast around midday Wednesday, lasting through to early Friday, with the potential for high tides and waves affecting the highway from midday Thursday to midday Friday. Restrictions or closures around SH1 Ōhau Point are a possibility. 

A heavy rain watch is in place south of Amberley and around Christchurch. 

Snow on SH73, Porters and Arthur’s Passes

MetService has a road snowfall warning in place on the two SH73 alpine passes, with up to 10-15 cm on Porters Pass and smaller amounts on Arthur’s Pass from 9 pm Wednesday to midday Thursday. 

South Canterbury snow – SH80 Mt Cook highway, SH8 Burkes Pass

MetService is expecting heavy rain to develop on Wednesday, turning to sleet and snow inland from Fairlie on SH8 from 6 pm, and on SH80 the Mt Cook/Aoraki Highway from Wednesday afternoon into Thursday.

There is a possibility of ice on bridge decks and shaded areas and snow to road level through to Thursday mid-morning. 

Strong wind watch Buller, Grey and Westland districts

West Coasters need to be ready for strong southwest winds from midday Wednesday (30 April) through to mid Thursday afternoon. 

What should drivers do?

Please slow down, avoid sudden breaking and turning, increase following distances and drive with lights on, is NZTA’s advice.

Wherever possible, people should plan to avoid driving in the worst conditions and keep an eye on weather forecasts and the NZTA Journey Planner to stay up to date with the latest highway restrictions.

https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions 

MetService’s warnings and watches over Te Wai Pounamu/ the South Island as at 2 pm Tuesday:

Full warning details: www.metservice.com/warnings/home

Winter driving tips: https://nzta.govt.nz/safety/driving-safely/driving-to-the-conditions/winter-driving

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