A Central Otago emergency operations centre, set up on Friday, has been "stood down'' after weather in the region improved over the weekend.
Although the Maniototo and Ida Valley are still blanketed in snow, roading contractors have been able to clear most of the roading network in the district.
Central Otago District Council emergency management officer Hamish Keith said it was lucky the predicted southerly storms predicted for Friday and today did not eventuate. Roading ontractors were able to "get on top of the situation'' as the weather cleared and most roads within the district are now open.
However, severe frosts were forecast and black ice was likely, so motorists should continue to take extreme caution, he said. Roading contractors had focused on making sure Naseby residents had access to their homes, by removing a large snow build-up and clearing streets.
Eastern access to St Bathans was to open later this afternoon. Roads around the Ida Valley are icy, so caution is advised. Danseys Pass remains closed until further notice.
Motorists are also warned that there is flooding damage throughout the Central Otago roading network, especially in the Maniototo. Flood damage warning signs have been flattened and buried by snow.
