More snow is on the way tonight, but it is only forecast to fall as low as 300m and not expected to cause as much disruption as this morning's dump. Source: ODT
Ice and snow is still causing issues on roads around Queenstown and some motorists are being forced to abandon their cars and walk.
Three cars became stuck and were abandoned by their drivers today on the steep McEntyre's Hill section of Arrowtown Lake Hayes Rd, about 2km from Arrowtown.
Aresident said dozens of vehicles, including a bus, had experienced difficulty going up and down the section of road throughout the morning because of a patch of black ice.
However, the road has remained open, with the Queenstown Lakes District Council sending contractors to grade and grit the problem section about 1pm.
Icy road conditions contributed to a three-car crash in Lower Shotover, near Queenstown this morning. Photo / Guy Williams, Otago Daily Times
Emergency services were at the scene of the crash on Stalker Rd, which is the main road leading out of Shotover Country.
A police spokeswoman said one person sustained minor injuries.
People are being urged to take extreme care on the roads as snowy conditions cause havoc around Queenstown.
Snow, heavy in some places, was still falling around the Queenstown Lakes District after a heavy dumping overnight.
Wakatipu High School, Queenstown Primary and Shotover Primary are closed for today. All other schools in the Wakatipu Basin have a delayed start until 10.30am.
A two-car crash also occurred on Dart Pl, Fernhill.
The road remained open while the vehicles were moved.
Police have also received a number of calls about ice on the roads around the district.
The Crown Range is now open but chains are essential. (closed to towing vehicles).
Ballarat St and Malaghans St are closed.
The scope of today's wintry weather is captured in this photo from Fernhill, Queenstown. Photo / Julia Marcon, Otago Daily Times
The Queenstown Lakes District Council says the Kawarau Gorge is open, but extreme care must be taken.
Chains must be carried on Malaghans Rd, Arthurs Point to Queenstown, Fernhill, and between Cardrona and Wanaka.
There have also been reports of black ice on Glenorchy Rd.
Some bus services have also been affected, with the Arrowtown to Arthurs Point, Jacks Point to Lake Hayes, and Kelvin Heights to Frankton Flats routes not running due to dangerous road conditions.
According to MetService, morning snow showers are set to turn to sleety showers later in the day.
