Snow falling to low levels across parts of the eastern South Island has closed several sections of state highway and caused multiple crashes in Dunedin this morning, with police urging residents to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
Several vehicles have slid off the road in Dunedin as snowfall and icy conditions make driving difficult, though no injuries have been reported.
"We are asking that everyone avoid travelling, even in areas that aren't experiencing snow fall," a police spokesperson said.
"If you are on the road, please drive to the conditions – slow down, keep a safe following distance, exercise patience, and expect delays."
In Otago, State Highway 87 is closed from Outram to Middlemarch, State Highway 1 from Pine Hill to Waitati, State Highway 1/Dunedin Southern Motorway, between Caversham Rd (southbound) and south of Mornington Rd (northbound), and State Highway 85 between Kyeburn and Morrisons. On Banks Peninsula, State Highway 75 is closed between Duvauchelle and Tai Tapu.
NZTA urged road users to avoid areas where highways were closed and to delay travel where possible.
"With various other road warnings in place due to the weather conditions, people are asked to take extra care generally on the roads."
Do you have photos or videos of the weather? Email us at news@tvnz.co.nz.
Road snowfall warnings remain in place for Remutaka Hill Rd (State Highway 2), Lewis and Porters Passes and the Crown Range Rd.
Snow has also been reported in Christchurch and Dunedin this morning, with the city forecast to see wintry conditions continue as the cold snap moves through the region.
Charlotte Mulder was out in the middle of a live cross when snowflakes made an appearance during a live cross from the Port Hills. (Source: Breakfast)
A heavy swell warning is in place for the coast of the Wairarapa, with waves rising up to 6m this morning. Cook Strait travellers faced disruption as a result, with Interislander sailings cancelled for Tuesday and Bluebridge also cancelling several sailings for Tuesday and Wednesday.
The wintry blast is expected to intensify before easing later this week, with forecasters warning Thursday morning could be the coldest of the year for many parts of the country.
Meteorologists say frigid air flowing directly off the Antarctic ice sheet is driving the cold snap, bringing snow to low levels across parts of the South Island on Tuesday before clearer skies and lighter winds allow temperatures to plummet overnight.
Snow and icy roads could disrupt travel early this week before bitterly cold mornings settle in across much of New Zealand. (Source: 1News)
MetService has forecast temperatures well below average on Thursday morning, with Hamilton expected to fall to -5C and Whitianga to -3C. Even parts of Auckland could see temperatures near or below freezing inland.
The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including a cold snap closes roads, mothers plead for help to save stranded sons, and Ariana Grande’s big decision. (Source: 1News)
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