Snow moves north and shuts roads

The big chill moved north last night, cutting roads in the central North Island.

MetService spokesman Bob McDavitt this morning said the worst of the snow appeared to be past.

"It was a snowy night, particularly in the pre-midnight hours, and there are still some rain and snow-bearing clouds we can see on the radar."

Mr McDavitt said the MetService believed they would be able to drop its snow warnings this morning.

Roads around the Central Plateau were hit hard by snow with State Highway 1 at the Desert Road and between Turangi and Taihape, State Highway 47 at National Park, State Highway 4 between Taumarunui and Raetihi State Highway 49 between Ohakune and Waiouru all shut about 8.45pm and were still closed this morning.

Truckies travelling north had to wrap up and wait it out in Waiouru.

State Highway 2 over the Rimutaka Ranges between Upper Hutt and Featherston was also hit by snow and closed temporarily but was open today.

Mr McDavitt expected more snow to fall on the Rimutakas and further north today.

After being hit hardest earlier yesterday, South Island roads were mostly open today. State Highway 87 between Mosgiel and Middlemarch was closed for snow, as was State Highway 1 between Waitati and Dunedin. No alternative routes were available.

Transit and AA reported snow and icy conditions on highways throughout Otago and Southland, with chains required on State Highway 85 between Palmerston and Kyeburn and extreme care warnings elsewhere.

Further north in the South Island, chains were also needed between Little River and Akaroa

Mr McDavitt said frost in the coming days might be a problem for farmers and orchardists.

"The stage is blossom set in the trees -- a bit early this year. The cherry trees and some apple trees are getting into bud so they're vulnerable."

Tomorrow was likely to be the frostiest of the week and he suggested tonight might be a good night for orchardists to bring out any frost-fighting measures.

South Island ski operators yesterday were assessing whether they had enough fresh snow to open over the school holidays.

Mr McDavitt said although the biggest snow showers were probably past, there could be more.

"It'll be a cold week and another southerly is due on Friday so that will bring certainly some more snow conditions up the top of the mountains."

- NZPA