Dashcam video of 4WD sliding out on road between Tekapo and Twizel. Video / Takuto Matsuda / Angela Stephens
A number of weather-related incidents affected Rotorua this morning.
There were multiple power cuts, including one which caused the closure of Rotorua Lakes High School, and a large tree blocked State Highway 5, south of the city.
Contractors were at the scene about 2km south of the Hemo Rd roundabout. The fallen tree, which had completely blocked both lanes, had been cut to allow traffic to move through the northbound lane.
A police spokeswoman said traffic management was in place and contractors had also begin cutting another tree which was at risk of falling.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency had advised motorists to delay their journey or face a long detour via SH1 Atiamuri.
At 1.45pm Waka Kotahi said on Twitter the tree had been removed and all lanes were clear though motorists should still expect delays.
Power outages
Unison spokesman Danny Gough said the power outage that initially affected more then 600 Kawaha Pt and Ngongotahā residents this morning was caused by a tree going through lines.
"At the Kawaha Point outage, 311 customers are still without power with repairs set to be completed and power restored at approximately 3.15pm.
A large tree has come down on State Highway 5, about 2km south of the Hemo Rd roundabout. Photo / Supplied
"The Melrose Ave/ Te Ngae Rd outage currently has 62 customers off and power is expected to be restored at around 3.30pm," Gough said.
He said this outage was caused by a transformer fault.
SH5 SOUTH OF ROTORUA - ROAD CLOSED - 12:10PM Due to a large fallen tree #SH5 is CLOSED in the Whakarewarewa area just south of SH30. Delay your journey until the tree can be cleared or allow extra time for a long detour via SH1 Atiamuri: https://t.co/kK1A8TIaSP ^TP pic.twitter.com/Bgtb0qC08o
— Waka Kotahi NZTA Waikato/BoP (@WakaKotahiWaiBP) August 9, 2021
Earlier today, Gough said there had been other outages in Rotorua which were restored quickly.
"The current weather pattern will continue to provide challenges so we advise customers to be prepared in the event of any unplanned power outages."
A power outage is affecting areas in Rotorua. Photo / Unison
The power outage in the eastern suburbs caused Rotorua Lakes High School to close for the day, sending students home.
Due to a power outage we are closing the school. To release students we need a txt from their caregiver saying it is ok...
The school said via Facebook this morning: "Due to a power outage we are closing the school. To release students we need a txt from their caregiver saying it is ok for them to leave."
Snow closes highways, Mt Tarawera snow capped
Mt Tarawera was snow capped this morning with warnings in place and highways closed in the central North Island.
The Desert Rd closed at 1.30am today with MetService issuing a road snowfall warning in place until 11pm. State Highway 5 between Napier and Taupō was closed due to snowfall but has since reopened.
UPDATE 11:40AM#SH5 Taupo to Napier has now reopened. Please take extra care today and allow extra time. ^TP https://t.co/YBLdgJ3hKj
— Waka Kotahi NZTA Waikato/BoP (@WakaKotahiWaiBP) August 8, 2021
Roz Anderson captured this spectacular early morning photo of Mt Tarawera from Coastlands in the Bay of Plenty this morning. Photo / Roz Anderson
Roz Anderson captured a spectacular early morning photo of Mt Tarawera from Coastlands in the Bay of Plenty this morning, while staff from Kaitiaki Adventures sent a photo from the crater road showing a good dusting of snow.
Today's forecast is for snow, with some heavy falls from Sunday night through to Monday evening with 20 to 30cm of snow expected to accumulate on the road.
Snow showers may continue through to Tuesday morning and the warning is likely to be extended, MetService says.
A heavy snow warning is in place for Gisborne, with the warning officially being categorised as an "orange" alert by the local district council.
"Heavy snow may disrupt travel in affected areas and could damage trees and powerlines," the Gisborne District Council said early this morning.
Snow is falling in Ohakune on Monday morning. Photo / Lewis Rodgers
The forecast for Rotorua today is for the odd shower, clearing this morning and becoming fine with cold southwesterlies. The predicted high is 9C and the low 0C.
Tauranga residents can expect a few showers, clearing this morning and becoming fine. There are cold southwesterlies, becoming gusty in the afternoon. The high is 12C and the low 3C.
