Heavy Snow Watch in Place for Canterbury

Metservice meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane says that people in the Canterbury area could see a decent amount of snowfall.

“It’s the sort of snow that accumulates and possibly causes some disruption as people are going about their days, especially on the roads and people on farms”.

She says anyone planning on being in the area or traveling in the area should be aware that it could be disruptive. 

“In particular the Mackenzie Country and areas that are 400 metres and above in elevation are likely to see the heavier snow, however areas below that level could see some snowfall.”

Mmathaphelo says to keep an eye out for roads that could be affected such as Lindis Pass, Arthurs Pass, Porters Pass, and Lewis Pass

She advises people to keep an eye on the Waka Kotahi page for road closures for anyone travelling. 

Federated Farmers Mid Canterbury President, David Acland, says that farmers were expecting this type of weather.

“It’s just the first weather event of winter and everyones just working through their systems… it's more the fact that it's going to be a bit wet and miserable.”

David says he's not worried as long as the snow doesn’t last long and they have food stores to keep their Mount Somers farm ticking over. 

Further up the road, the snow is good news for skiers with Mount Hutt Ski Field reverting to their original planned opening date of Friday June 13.

Going into Friday and Saturday Metservice says we could see another bout of snow in Canterbury which potentially could be reaching lower levels than we may see tomorrow. 

Being only four days into the winter season, the weather is only a small part of what is yet to come.

Canterbury is still recovering from damage caused by heavy rainfall last month.

It is estimated that it could cost as much as 18 million dollars to repair roads around Banks Peninsula and Christchurch.