Icy conditions on the roads in parts of the South Island are expected to continue through until tomorrow, prompting a warning from New Zealand Transport Agency.
This morning, NZTA had warnings in place for state highways in Canterbury, the Mackenzie Basin and Otago. Several crashes had been reported across the central and lower South Island.
Contractors had also been out laying grit or anti-icing agents on the highways to help with the conditions.
Ice, fog, rain, slippery roads: How to drive safely in winter
NZTA said latest forecasts show hoar frosts and black ice may persist for highways until tomorrow at about midday in the Mackenzie Basin, south of Irishman Creek.
Frosts were also expected to impact State Highway 1, 7, 73, 75 and 77 in Canterbury early tomorrow.
Drivers have been asked to reduce speeds, increase their following distance and avoid sudden braking or turning movements on the icy roads.
Earlier today, State Highway 1/Dunedin Southern Motorway at Burnside had been briefly closed after crashes in what NZTA calls a "trouble spot", which also had to be closed for a period yesterday.
NZTA said ice is more likely to form in place such as bridges and shaded areas, and black ice can be hard to spot.
"Staying as visible and possible, with headlights on in foggy conditions, also helps to keep people safe."
The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including England's win at the FIFA, a fire in Belgium, the death of the village people singer and a proposal on the Empire State Building. (Source: 1News)
SHARE ME