Snow was dusting South Island roads this afternoon but Transit New Zealand reported few problems, with only two alpine passes closed to towing vehicles and requiring chains to be fitted.
Chains were essential on Lindis Pass and Arthur's Pass, but most other roads were clear, Transit's Christchurch-based southern
zone operations manager Peter Connors told NZPA.
"We've managed to keep up with it and there doesn't seem to be too many problems down south either at the moment," Mr Connors said.
"But the weather forecast's not crash-hot."
Mr Connors said Transit would monitor the situation throughout the weekend.
Motorists were advised to keep a watch for ice and grit in shaded areas and on bridge decks, and to carry chains especially on the alpine passes.
Snow was falling throughout the southern region and ski resorts were welcoming it.
Light snow fell to sea level in Timaru this morning but failed to settle.
Sleet showers were reported in Ashburton and snow was settling in the North Canterbury thermal resort of Hanmer Springs.
Some heavy snowfalls in South Canterbury closed Te Moana Rd behind Geraldine for a time this morning, but was reopened after grading work by Timaru District Council contractors.
Council land transport manager Andrew Dixon said all roads in the district were now open.
Contractors would continue working until early evening to ensure the roads remained open, with graders and snow ploughs back on the job from 4.30am tomorrow, he said.
Meanwhile, the MetService issued a heavy rain warning for Northland today as a mass of cold air hovering over the South Island caused a series of thunderstorms in the Tasman Sea that had been spawning tornadoes.
Forecasters said a low in the Tasman was expected to track across Auckland this evening, with its associated front bringing heavy rain to Northland this afternoon.
Rainfall rates could reach 20mm an hour at times in heavy thunderstorms.
Further heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms were predicted to continue through the evening.
- NZPA
