Early-birds Yvonne Walsh and Amie Messenger were out and about near Civic Square in Hastings early on Monday morning, enjoying a hot beverage and some good company.
Messenger told Hawke’s Bay Today despite the chilly temperatures, it was a welcome relief to see the sun after the string of bad weather Hawke’s Bay has had over the past few months.
“The rain is horrendous. We’re just grateful to have some sunshine, even though it’s cold.”
With low temperatures come the chance of icy roads and unsafe driving conditions.
“Winter brings with it the need for a different set of driving skills, and driving to the conditions is the single most important driving message we can give people,” Waka Kotahi Hawke’s Bay/Tairāwhiti system manager Martin Colditz said.
“Icy conditions are often unavoidable in Hawke’s Bay during crisp winter mornings. The safety of all road users is a top priority.”
Colditz said closing roads was a last resort and other options to reduce the ice would always be considered first.
This included things such as placing grit on the surface to improve vehicle grip and additional safety signage and traffic management.
“Our roading contractor closely monitors the temperatures of road surfaces, especially in areas prone to icy conditions, such as State Highway 5,” he said.
“Part of the winter maintenance schedule involves spraying of calcium magnesium acetate (CMA), which prevents ice forming.”
MetService’s forecast shows showers could start from Wednesday, a day which Miller said could see a wind watch issued for Hawke’s Bay.
Mitchell Hageman joined Hawke’s Bay Today in late January. From his Napier base, he writes regularly on social issues, arts and culture, and the community.
