Wild weather: Hawke’s Bay warned of 120km/h winds as snow falls in Dunedin

The wild tail end of winter continues today, with snow falling across the South Island and high winds about to batter Hawke’s Bay.

Severe westerly gales could gust to 120km/h in exposed places throughout Hawke’s Bay, south of Hastings, and the Tararua District, with possible damage to trees, powerlines and unsecured structures.

A strong wind warning has been put in place for the district until 7pm, while a strong wind watch is also in effect for the Tasman District until 6pm.

MetService said there was a low chance both watches could be upgraded to a warning.

It comes as snow has closed several roads in the Otago region this morning, including Dunedin, leaving motorists stuck in freezing temperatures.

Snow has closed roads in Otago as strong winds and hail sweep the South Island. Photo / MetService

State Highway 87 from Outram to Middlemarch in Otago has been closed by snow.

It follows the closure of State Highway 1 north of Dunedin, where there is also a road snowfall warning until 8pm tonight.

State Highway 85 between Kyeburn and Palmerston is open but subject to an area warning because of snow.

On State Highway 88 at Sawyers Bay, caution is being urged because of surface flooding.

The closures come amid a strong wind warning in Otago, with extra care required for high-sided vehicles like campervans, towing vehicles and motorcycles travelling through the area.

MetService’s Leith Saddle traffic camera showed cars and trucks stuck in snowy conditions.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) said roading crews will assist as needed until the road is reopened or in a state where vehicles could continue.

MetService meteorologist Samkelo Magwala told the Herald a “wet, snowy, and windy end of winter” is in store.

The South Island will bear the brunt of the wintry blast, as strong southwesterlies bring showers and low snow levels.

“Especially in the southern regions, your Central Otago, Southland, North Otago, even Dunedin, there’s a possibility of snow lowering to near sea level later today,” he said.

“Remember, the meteorological winter for New Zealand is a bit longer. It can extend into September.”

He said that late bursts of wintry weather were normal at this time of year.

Road snowfall warnings cover several southern routes. Up to 12cm could settle near the summit of Milford Rd and up to 8cm on the Crown Range Rd.

Snow could fall to 500m on both roads today. On Lindis Pass, the snow level could drop to 400m by this evening, with 2cm to 4cm possible.

The deep south could also be battered by heavy showers and small hail, while thunderstorms were considered less likely.

Isolated showers are forecast in western areas from Waikato to Northland, while eastern areas should enjoy fine spells.

For Northland, still drying out after weekend flooding, Magwala said incoming showers would not be as “hectic” and “not everyone will get a shower”.

Auckland could reach 17C today with isolated showers, Wellington 17C, with a possible evening shower, and Christchurch 19C during a mainly fine day.

Conditions should ease tomorrow before another system approaches on Wednesday.

Magwala said there was potential for heavy rain in western parts of the South Island and strong winds in the east, although confidence remained low.

“We just keep on monitoring it. As we near closer to the time, we’ll provide the updates.”

It comes after stormy conditions battered the South Island last week.

Residents were evacuated from flooded homes in Queenstown, while Wānaka recorded its wettest August day since 1992.

State Highway 6 between Makarora and Lake Hāwea, in Central Otago, has been closed since Friday, after heavy rain affected the area and loosened material on hillsides near the highway.

State Highway 6 between Makarora and Lake Hāwea, in Central Otago, has been closed since Friday. Photo / NZTA

Roading crews worked through the weekend, with many of the 30 slips now cleared and assessments completed by geotechnical engineers.

NZTA said the route should reopen to “controlled, limited traffic” access from tomorrow.

Various trails across the Queenstown Lakes District were also damaged amid the turbulent weather.

Various trails across the Queenstown Lakes District were damaged amid the turbulent weather. Photo / Queenstown Lakes District Council

Queenstown Lakes District Council has closed walking tracks at Arrowtown River – True Right (Tobins Side), Swain Bridge (Arrowtown to Whitechapel Rd), One Mile Lower, Lake Hayes Loop, Cardrona River Track (The Hook) and Gladstone Track (From Johns Creek to Grandview Bridge).

The council advised people to use caution on the Twin Rivers, Hugo Tunnel, Matakauri Wetlands and Wharehuanui (from Coronet Station Rd to Millbrook).

Various trails across the Queenstown Lakes District were damaged amid the turbulent weather. Photo / Queenstown Lakes District Council

They said all closures would remain in place while assessments and remedial work are undertaken.