TV3 News announced on the 6am news on the 15th August 2011 that snow had shut down much of South Island. Snow had fallen as far north as Hawkes Bay in the North Island and Wellington had snow down to sea level.
Christchurch covered in snow again
Exactly three weeks after a significant snow fall, Christchurch residents found their city covered in snow again. After light hail and strong winds on Sunday 14th August, snow began to fall overnight with some settling by 2am. By 6am on the 15th August, the city was covered in snow and looked like a winter wonderland in the glow of street lamps.
MetService recorded the temperature in Christchurch at 6am as minus 1 but feeling like minus 8. A general warning on the site said that, ‘heavy snow is likely to cause major disruptions to travel and make driving conditions very difficult. In addition to this, the weight of accumulated snow on structures such as power lines and on trees could cause damage. Strong southerlies, gale about exposed coasts with the cold temperatures will make the wind feel bitterly cold and create blizzard like conditions in some places.’
Snow disrupts life in rare event
TV3 News reported that emergency vehicles had switched to four-wheel-drive vehicles and schools and Canterbury University were expected to be closed for the day. The police have asked people to stay at home if at all possible.
MetService described the snow in Wellington as a once in a decade event with falls down to sea level.
Flights to and from Invercargill, Dunedin and Queenstown have been cancelled and Christchurch Airport has all its equipment for dealing with snow and ice on hand and significant disruptions are anticipated.
Road closures across the country
A number of roads have been closed with warning issued for others. In the North Island, the following roads are closed: Desert Road, Rimutaka Hill Road, State Highway 5 between Napier and Taupo and State Highway 2 near Mount Bruce.
The Christchurch City Council website warned that roads in the Port Hills, Akaroa and Banks Peninsula were closed and the Metro buses were not running. All council recreational and sports facilities are closed until further notice.
Farmers were warned their stock may need shelter because of the severity and duration of the expected snow storm.
MetService has predicted snow in Christchurch for the next three days along with bitterly cold winds. Thursday is expected to bring sleety showers.
Debbie Roome - Debbie Roome is an award-winning freelance writer, journalist and novelist with over 25 years experience.
