Snow, hail and polar cold temperatures as Antarctic blast hits New Zealand

An Antarctic blast has swept up the South Island, bringing freezing temperatures, dumping snow and grounding Air New Zealand flights, is now moving over the North Island.

With snow blanketing much of the south, leaving numerous highways closed and even falling to sea level in Christchurch overnight, the focus is now on the north, which is starting to feel the brunt of the polar air.

"We are working with Wellington Regional Emergency Management Office to keep an eye on developments and are regularly inspecting our runway and seawalls to ensure they are not damaged. We are advising travellers to contact their airline or keep an eye on Wellington Airport's Live Flight Information for latest updates. We also advise taking extra time and care getting to and from the airport.

We will provide further updates on our social media pages"

Snow blanketed Frankton this morning. Photo / Courtney Winter

Heavy snowfall warnings are in place for regions across the lower half of the North Island, with Wellington already experiencing hail storms earlier this morning. Wellington City Council said a Johnsonville bus became stuck due to ice just after 6.30am.

At 7.40am the main shock of the freezing polar blast was centred halfway up the North Island, according to weatherwatch.co.nz.

Major highways in the centre of the North Island are now closed by heavy snow including the Desert Rd and State Highway 4 from Tohunga Junction to National Park. Those travelling on State Highway 5 between Napier and Taupo have been warned of treacherous driving conditions, but at this stage the road is open.

As the mercury continued to drop, MetService has also issued a threat of damaging waves to the country's entire coastline.

Queenstown this morning, frosted in white. Photo / Skyline

MetService forecaster Gerard Bellam said they were very large, high-energy waves that posed a threat to any seaboard location over the coming 24 hours.

These powerful waves had the potential to catch people unawares if walking on beaches or driving along coastal roads. There was also the potential for waves to affect land or property near any coastline.

A heavy swell warning is in force for Wellington's south coast from Baring Head to Sinclair Head.

The southerly swell was expected to reach 6m on Tuesday evening, with the highest risk period coinciding with high tide at 8.24am and 8.54pm.

By Wednesday night the swell is likely to ease to around 4m.

Big swells are hammering Ōwhiro Bay this morning in Wellington.

MetService meteorologist Angus Hines warned today's waves could be damaging to low lying properties and roads. People in the area are urged to stay out of the water and be prepared to leave their properties if they are at risk.

The Wellington Region Emergency Management Office said the impact of today's morning high tide could be similar to what was experienced in Ōwhiro Bay in April last year when 6m waves battered roads and flooded properties.

The agency said people who lived in homes that had been impacted by past swells and storm events should be prepared for these potential impacts again.

The wild weather has disrupted travel in both islands – with the Interislander ferry cancelling all sailings for today, while Air New Zealand cancelled 33 flights in and out of Dunedin, Invercargill and Queenstown yesterday.

The polar blast brought snow to sea level in parts of the south yesterday, as well as huge seas and gales laced with a bitterly cold -20C windchill.

An active cold front and south-to-southwesterly winds will track north across the remainder of the country, with numerous weather warnings in force.

Heavy snow was possible in Taihape, around the Tararua Range and Banks Peninsula today.

The outlook at Barewood Station, near Middlemarch in Otago. Photo / Will Kirkness

A road snowfall warning is in place for the Napier-Taupō Rd (until midday Tuesday), Desert Rd (until 5pm Tuesday) and Remutaka Hill Rd (until 4pm Tuesday) in the North Island.

Bellam said snow had fallen to low levels across the Southland and Otago, with blizzard-like conditions in alpine areas.

The polar outbreak had left snow falling down to sea level in Christchurch.

The bitterly cold air mass was now continuing on its northern track, bringing with it severe gales and large seas.

Magical winter scene from Arrowtown this morning. Photo / George Heard

Snow and ice in Queenstown yesterday forced some drivers to carry chains and motorists across the Wakatipu Basin and in Wanaka were urged to watch for rockfall.

Yesterday morning, Treble Cone was coated in 15cm of snow on the upper slopes and Cardrona had received around 10cm.

Moke Lake in Queenstown, the Crown Range Summit and Ben Nevis Range were coated in snow.

Meanwhile, Waka Kotahi has urged motorists driving on SH11/Desert Rd and SH5 Napier- Taupō Rd today to prepare for winter driving conditions, including snow and ice.

Lake Hayes in Central Otago has woken up to a blanket of snow. Photo / George Heard

Waikato system manager Cara Lauder said further road closures were possible and motorists should plan ahead and drive prepared with a spare tire, charged cellphone, blankets, snacks and a bottle of water in case they break down.

"Plan ahead, allow extra time for your journeys and drive to the road and weather conditions. Maintain a greater following distance between your vehicle and the one in front, slow down and be prepared for unexpected hazards."

SH94 Milford Rd and SH87 between Kyeburn and Outram were both closed overnight while in the North Island SH56 between Opiki and the Manawatu River Bridge was closed due to flooding.

Get out the woollies in Wellington today, as snow is forecasted to 300m with the chilly high of 8C and low of 6C while strong southwesterly and gale winds gusting to 90km/h are expected.

State Highway 1 Desert Rd is closed this morning between Rangipo and Waiouru. Photo / NZTA

In Auckland, a high of 13C and low of 4C is on the cards, with frequent showers in the morning, possibly turning heavy before clearing to fine weather in the afternoon.

The rain clouds would clear by Wednesday but the temperature would stay cool in Auckland, with a high of 14C for the rest of week and lows of between 4C-6C.

The weather is less severe in Whangārei today, with a few showers forecasted before clearing and turning fine.

Queenstown's Remarkables mountain range during Monday's polar blast. Photo / George Heard

Meanwhile, as one part of the country is coated in snow, those in Horowhenua are facing the possibility they may run out of water.

The Horowhenua District Council has pleaded for thousands of residents in Levin, Tokomaru and Shannon to reduce or stop using water immediately.

Due to the recent rain, water-treatment plants have struggled to effectively treat the muddy river water for the region's drinking water supplies.

"If residents don't act to reduce water usage or stop completely if they're able, there is a real risk that the water supply will run out and the community will need to rely on bottled water or water tanker supplies to service their minimum requirements," the council said.

Holidaymakers take in wintry scenes as snow coats the Lake Wakatipu foreshore. Photo / George Heard

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This article was first published by the NZ Herald and is republished here with permission.