Winter Weather Grips New Zealand: Snow, Flooding Risks, and Power Disruptions
Residents waking up to a wintery scene across much of New Zealand found roads blanketed in thick snow, with Canterbury and the broader central districts taking the brunt. The heavy snowfall has closed several state highways, trapping vehicles and complicating travel for commuters and remote communities alike. Authorities are urging patience as contractors work to clear the snow and restore safe passage.
Power Grid Disruption in the North Island
In the North Island, Transpower declared a grid emergency after a lightning strike affected multiple lines and substations. The tripping of the Whirinaki, Wairakei, and Harapaki Tauhara circuits led to a loss of supply to Hawke’s Bay and disrupted generation connections to the Harapaki, Whirinaki, and Waikaremoana sites. The outage underscoreed how severe weather can quickly impact electricity supply, even as teams race to isolate faults and re-route power.
Where the Snow Is Heaviest
Police reported that vehicles are currently trapped on the Haast and Lindis passes as snow-clearing operations continue. Several routes have been shut or heavily affected, including State Highway 8 from Fairlie to Twizel. The Mt Cook turn-off remains blocked, and SH83 between Ōmarama and Kurow, SH87 from Kyeburn to Mosgiel, and SH1 between Dunedin and Waitati have all faced closures or restrictions.
Road Closures and Warnings
MetService has issued a heavy snow warning for the Canterbury High Country south of SH73, the Queenstown Lakes District areas around and north of Wānaka, and Central Otago north of Ranfurly. A heavy snow watch extends to Banks Peninsula until 1pm. Road snowfall warnings cover Arthur’s Pass (SH73), the Desert Road (SH1), Haast Pass (SH6), Lewis Pass (SH7), and Porters Pass (SH73). Earlier warnings for Crown Range Rd, Dunedin to Waitati Highway (SH1) and Milford Rd (SH94) have lapsed, but travel remains difficult where snow remains thick and drifts are persistent.
Weather Pattern Shifts and Forecasters’ Outlook
Forecasters anticipate the cold front to move off the country in the second half of today, followed by a disturbed west to southwest flow that could affect much of the country. MetService warns of the potential for renewed travel disruption as trees and powerlines can be damaged by heavy snowfall and gusty winds. The agency also notes a moderate chance of thunderstorms in the central North Island this afternoon, with possible rainfall rates of 10 to 20mm/h in localized areas.
Thunderstorm Risk and Regional Impacts
Yesterday’s thunderstorm watch for Northland, Auckland, the Coromandel, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and Rotorua has largely expired, but eastern ranges of Bay of Plenty still face weather risks through the afternoon. While many regions may see improving conditions later, the current pattern suggests a broad low-risk period with pockets of unsettled weather persisting through tonight, potentially affecting Fiordland and Stewart Island as well.
What Residents Should Do
Officials encourage people to monitor MetService updates and traffic advisories, especially if travelling through the central North Island or along the threatened passes. Travelers should be prepared for continued road closures and delays, avoid nonessential trips, and carry emergency supplies. Livestock operators are advised to monitor field conditions for stress and to check fencing and shelter access in case of power interruptions or drifting snow.
As crews work to restore services and clear routes, communities are asked to exercise caution, assume downed power lines may be hazardous, and remain patient as essential recovery work continues across both islands.
