Third closure of road this week

Photo: NZTA
Photo: NZTA
A snow-hit Milford Rd closed again last night as forecast heavy rain increased the avalanche risk to the area.

It is the third time conditions have affected State Highway 94 this week.

It reopened yesterday morning, but was shut again from East Gate (Hollyford Rd Junction) to Donne River Bridge (Westgate) at 5pm.

Though the avalanche hazard was at low yesterday afternoon, it was raised to moderate by 5pm, due to expected rain overnight into this morning, the Milford Road Alliance advised.

The highway was expected to open again mid-morning today once an avalanche hazard evaluation was completed.

MetService said periods of heavy rain were forecast from 9pm yesterday until 7am today, and the volumes might approach warning criteria. More heavy rain was expected from tomorrow until Tuesday.

Heavy rain was also expected about the headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers from 10pm yesterday until 6am today. Rainfall volumes might approach warning criteria within 15km east of the main divide.