Ice and fog hits South

Flights are running again at Dunedin Airport after disruptions this morning but ice and fog warnings are in place for southern roads.

Two inbound and two outbound flights were cancelled this morning.

It was another below freezing start, with ice and fog warnings for road users in parts of the South.

Waka Kotahi/NZ Traffic Agency said extra care should be taken when on State Highway 87 (Mosgiel to Kyeburn) due to ice. 

A spokesman for the Queenstown Lakes District Council said temperatures in the Whakatipu basin temps were as low as -7degC early this morning. 

"If you live in steep areas like Queenstown Hill and Fernhill then please take extra care."

Temperatures on the Crown Range, linking Queenstown and Wanaka,  and Cardrona Road ranged from -3degC to -5degC and there was also a risk of ice.

The Lindis Pass (State Highway 8) recorded -9degC this morning and there were patches of fog around Lindis, Alexandra and the Whakatipu.

There is a chain fitting workshop on this morning at Queenstown Events Centre from 11am.

Black ice warning for Ida Valley

In Central Otago, road users were advised to take care when driving the Ida Valley Omakau Rd (Poolburn Hill section) due to black ice, a spokesman for the district council said.

Patches of thick fog was building in isolated areas and temperatures had ranged from -8degC to 1degC early on. 

"Crews have gritted trouble spots, but caution is advised particularly in shaded spots and bridge decks around daybreak when temperatures can drop."

Grit and CMA has been applied in most places in both districts. Road users should drive to winter conditions and reduce speeds accordingly.

 

 

 

 

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