Rapidly deepening low brings heavy snowfall and strong winds to New Zealand

A rapidly deepening low is moving east across central New Zealand on Sunday, August 8, 2021, into early Monday. This low is bringing heavy snow to low levels and severe gale southerlies across the central and northern districts of the country.

The heaviest snow is expected in northern Canterbury and southern Marlborough above 200 m (650 feet), and central and southern parts of the North Island, which is likely to disrupt travel, damage trees, and powerlines, and cause stress to livestock.

People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts in case any changes are made or further areas are added.

State Highway 7 west of Hanmer Springs is closed, and traffic on State Highway 1 south of Kaikoura is slow due to the snow, RNZ reports. In addition, State Highway 8 from Lake Pukaki to Lake Tekapo in Canterbury has been closed due to snow settling on the road.

Heavy snow has already affected many major roads across the South Island while Cook Strait ferries have been canceled until Monday morning due to poor sailing conditions.

The wild weather will continue on Monday, August 9, before easing as a narrow ridge of high pressure pushes across the country.

Another active front will move onto the South Island on Thursday, August 12.

Featured image credit: New Zealand Met Service