Around 1500 people in Canterbury are likely to remain without power overnight, after a snow storm battered the region today.
Around 1500 people in Canterbury are likely to remain without power overnight, after a snow storm battered the region today.
Electricity lines company, Orion said it had restored power to about 3000 inland Canterbury customers today, however around 1500 customers were likely to remain without power overnight.
Orion Operations Manager, Stu Kilduff said most of the outages were caused by the build-up of snow and ice on lines, and tree branches being weighed down on lines.
"Repair crews have been working in difficult conditions today and we'll have all available people on the job again tomorrow.
Snow on Leven St in Naseby. Photo / Adrian Hood, ODT
"The snow has affected inland Canterbury west of the Greendale and Darfield areas. Because of limited access we're not yet sure of the extent of the damage in remote parts of our network like Lake Coleridge and Castle Hill."
Mr Kilduff said the snow storm was a timely reminder to landowners to maintain trees, and keep them well clear of overhead lines.
"These outages have a significant impact in rural communities and many can be avoided by better tree planting and maintenance.
"If your power is off please prepare for a night without power. Wrap up warmly and contact friends and family for help where necessary."
Anyone who wished to report any fallen lines in Canterbury could call Orion on 03 363 9898 or 0800 363 9898.
The underpass near Stillwater was closed due to flooding. Photo / The Greymouth Star
Chuck Berry, of Queenstown, puts on chains at the foot of the Crown Range Rd near Arrowtown. Photo / Guy Williams, ODT
number of highways that were affected by the winter storm that hit the South Island yesterday are now open again.
Transport Agency Journey Manager Lee Wright said the weather had taken a turn for the better, allowing highways to once again open.
She said it would take longer for others to open, due to the amount of snow fall.
Ms Wright said with the amount of snow around, and cold temperatures, the next concern was black ice, which could make driving treacherous, particularly on inland highways.
She said drivers needed to keep their speeds down, and watch for black ice havens, such as bridge decks, and areas of road shaded by trees or embankments.
She encouraged people to avoid early morning driving as that was the time when black ice conditions were at their worst.
Roads currently closed:
Severe surface flooding in Hokitika. Photo / Andrew Thompson
