“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
- NZ Transport Agency's travel and traffic page
- Call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)
- MetService severe weather warnings web page
- MetService road snowfall warnings web page
- Facebook – NZ Transport Agency South Island
- Twitter – NZTA Otago and Southland
- Queenstown Lakes District Council
- Facebook – Queenstown Lakes District Council