A cold snap in the wake of three days of flooding and heavy rain has closed one state highway but caused few other problems.
Summary
Army vehicles distributing bread, milk, soup and water to north otago people cut off by flooding.
Light snow showers to 300m in inland Otago.
Snow forecast to become widespread and heavy above 400m tonight.
SH83 between Outram and Middlemarch reopened after being closed by snow.
Roads remain closed in North Otago because of flooding.
River levels dropping quite quickly across Otago.
Roads
Motorists are advised to avoid travel in North Otago. SH 1 North of Oamaru is closed between Pukeuri and Hilderthorpe, a detour is in place using Seven Mile Road.
SH1 between Pukeuri and Waitaki Bridge closed; SH1 south of Oamaru is now open; SH 82 is open; SH 83 is open.
56 local roads remain closed in North Otago. A full list can be found at www.waitaki.govt.nz
Snow warning in place on Lindis Pass, chains are essential.
Rivers
River levels remain moderate to high but continue to drop
North Otago schools
School buses will be running today for Maheno primary, Kurow primary, Duntroon primary, Five Forks primary and the town bus is running. The Broughton bus is also running. No other Ritchies Services will be running due to road conditions.
Kindergartens will be open.
Authorities rre advising all schools to open.
Water supply
Users on the following water supplies are advised to continue to conserve water as supplies remains shut down - Awamoko, Dunback, Goodwood, Hampden/Moeraki, Herbert/Waianakarua, Kauru Hill, Lower Waitaki and Windsor.
