Winter battered New Zealand: snow, outages and travel disruption across the islands
A wintry mix has gripped New Zealand, with thick snow blanketing parts of the South Island and a sudden grid emergency declared in the North Island following a lightning strike. Residents waking to a snow-locked landscape face road closures and stranded vehicles, while electricity supply issues raise concerns about power reliability in the short term.
South Island snow traps vehicles and blocks routes
In the central South Island, heavy snowfall has transformed highways and rural roads into a white maze. Police have reported several vehicles trapped on the Haast and Lindis passes as crews work around the clock to clear snow and restore travel routes. State Highway 8, the key link between Fairlie and Twizel, remains closed, adding to the disruption for travelers and locals alike.
Other routes affected include the Mt Cook turn-off, SH83 between Ōmarama and Kurow, SH87 from Kyeburn to Mosgiel, and SH1 between Dunedin and Waitati. A broad weather advisory is in place across notable alpine corridors as motorists are urged to plan ahead and avoid nonessential journeys.
MetService has issued heavy snow warnings for the Canterbury High Country south of SH73, the Queenstown Lakes District to the north of Wanaka, and Central Otago north of Ranfurly. A heavy snow watch covers Banks Peninsula until mid-afternoon, with additional road snowfall warnings across Arthur’s Pass, the Desert Road, Haast Pass, Lewis Pass, and Porters Pass. The current forecast points to possible tree and powerline damage along with stress to livestock in exposed areas.
North Island grid emergency sparked by lightning strike
Meanwhile, a lightning strike disrupted critical power infrastructure in the North Island. Transpower confirmed a grid emergency after the tripping of the Whirinaki, Wairakei, Harapaki, and Tauhara circuits. The notification stated that the fault caused a loss of supply to Hawke’s Bay and affected generation connections for Harapaki, Whirinaki, and Waikaremoana, prompting swift actions to stabilize the grid.
The incident adds to the nationwide strain as MetService warns of ongoing unsettled weather. Drivers should be prepared for further outages or service interruptions and monitor official updates for electricity reliability in their region.
What to expect: weather timing, rainfall, and advice for travelers
MetService is forecasting a significant spell of rain across eastern ranges, with 80 to 130 millimeters possible in some areas this morning. As the cold front moves offshore in the second half of the day, a disturbed west-to-southwest flow is expected to blanket much of the country, bringing a mix of showers and thunderstorm risk to central and northern regions, including Waikato, Whanganui, Hawke’s Bay, and Gisborne.
There is a moderate chance of thunderstorms in the central North Island this afternoon, with localized downpours of 10 to 20 millimeters per hour possible. After initial thunders, the forecast broadens to a low to moderate thunderstorm risk in remaining parts of central and northern New Zealand, potentially extending to Fiordland and Stewart Island at night.
Residents are advised to consider travel timing, keep emergency supplies ready, and heed road closure notices. Authorities also remind livestock owners to safeguard stock from weather-related stress as conditions evolve across the South Island’s alpine regions and the North Island’s northern and central belts.
Key tips for staying safe
- Check TRANSIT and local council updates for road closures before heading out.
- Charge devices, have a winter driving kit, and ensure vehicles have sufficient fuel when traveling in remote regions.
- Monitor MetService forecasts for rain accumulation and thunderstorm risk, especially in eastern ranges and central districts.
- In case of power outages, follow official guidance for emergency electricity supply and use household safety precautions.
As New Zealand endures a stubborn winter pattern, the combination of heavy snow, lightning-driven grid issues, and ongoing travel warnings underscores the importance of vigilance and preparedness as residents navigate shifting conditions across both islands.
