Cold and snowy start for long weekend

Queen's Birthday holiday weekend seems likely to get off to a cold and snowy start with some roads in the deep south closed and others open only to vehicles with snow chains. The AA is urging motorists to watch for roadside hazards and reminding them to set aside longer travelling times than usual when embarking on their holiday.

In the North Island, the Desert Road was still open at midday but the MetService said about 5-8cm of snow is likely to settle on the road by about 1pm, after which snow showers should clear.

Lindis Pass is also likely to get more snow above 300m, where about 1-2cm was forecast to fall this morning.

As of 7am today, there were three sections of highways closed in Otago, three others open only to chains and one other requiring extreme care due to the snow.

Other roads had problems with snow overnight but were this morning open.

State Highway 90 remains closed from its junction with SH8 (Raes Junction and Tapanui), with no alternative route available.

Between Outram and Middlemarch, SH87 closed at 5.15am due to snow, also with no alternative route available.

The road between Te Anau and Milford (SH94) has been closed since 11.21am yesterday because of snow, and AA is warning motorists to expect delays.

Roads requiring chains but closed to towing vehicles are SH1 between Waitati and Dunedin, SH8 between Omarama and Tarras, and SH6 between Haast and Makarora.

SH6 between Mataura and Ohai is open but extreme care is required.

The road to Milford is expected to receive another 2-3cm of snow today.

Police said caution is needed on State Highway 4 through National Park, and State Highway 1 between Taihape and Waiouru, because of snow and sleet.

In the Wellington region, Metservice said the Wairarapa Coast will cop the worst of any rain or hail that falls.

Senior forecaster Paul Mallinson said that gusting 40 knot southerlies are being recorded at Wellington airport.

He said it is 10 degrees outside, and that is expected to drop. The wind is expected to pick up this afternoon, with a few showers in the Hutt Valley.

AA Bay of Plenty district manager Barry Kidd said such hazards have been a common factor in the recent multiple-fatality crashes.

He says trees for example are potentially deadly when they are close to the side of the road.

Mr Kidd warns the consequences for motorists can be as deadly as combat.

Barry Kidd said the driving experts recommend drivers should look for safe escape routes rather than fixating on the hazards.

- Newstalk ZB and nzpa