Snow settles in Marlborough | Stuff.co.nz

Parts of Marlborough have woken up to a dusting of snow on Thursday.

A cold front has moved northwards across the upper South Island overnight, bringing snow to low levels in the south and east, MetService said.

Residents have reported snow in Fairhall, Renwick, and further up the Wairau Valley, as well as in the Awatere Valley and the hills behind Picton.

The wintry weather and snow has caused the closure of State Highway 63 between Renwick and St Arnaud. Access is being provided for residents, but the highway remains closed to all other traffic.

”Contractors are working hard to reopen State Highway 63 between Renwick and St Arnaud. However, this is weather-dependent and a precise time for a reopening can’t be given at this time,” Waka Kotahi said.

”Road users must take extra care on the roads. Reduce your speed and avoid sudden braking – it only takes a split second to lose control in wet or icy conditions.

“Bad weather can see roads closed at short notice. Please check road and weather conditions before your journey.”

State Highway 6 had also been closed from Kohatu to Kawatiri Junction, which meant there were no direct routes between Marlborough and Nelson, and the West Coast, but the highway reopened by 11am.

The conditions had affected all highways in the top of the South Island and driving conditions were hazardous, Waka Kotahi said. Drivers were also advised to watch for black ice on the road.

There had already been several weather-related crashes around the South Island on Thursday morning.

Snow watches for inland Marlborough including the Richmond Range from 8pm Wednesday had been lifted by 9am on Thursday.

Snow was expected to 200 metres, with heavy falls above 400 metres where accumulations may approach warning criteria.

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