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Flooding and slips after deluge

By PAUL GORMAN - The Press | 5:00AM - Monday, 18 May 2009



IN FLOOD: Tim and Sandra Jorgensen, of
Darfield watch the Rakaia surge through the
Rakaia Gorge. — DAVID HALLETT/The Press.

Raging rivers roared across the South Island yesterday, flooding Omarama, threatening bridges and blocking the main highway south.

Rain fell on already sodden high-country catchments, while melting snow turned the Rangitata, Waitaki and Rakaia rivers into torrents.

The Rangitata River near State Highway 1 peaked about 2.30pm, with water bursting through its southern bank, flowing across farmland and roads, closing the highway and forcing motorists to detour inland through Geraldine.

The main trunk railway line was also closed between the Rangitata River and Temuka.

KiwiRail spokesman Kevin Ramshaw said workers would inspect the track, culverts and bridges today before deciding when to reopen the line.

The Waitaki River was expected to peak last night. As a precaution, the 113-year-old bridges between Kurow and Hakataramea were closed until 7am today. Floods in 1995 weakened some of the wooden piers on the northern bridge across the Waitaki.

The old Waimakariri River bridge near Kaiapoi was also closed for a time yesterday.

Omarama was on the brink of a Civil Defence emergency yesterday, with 31 people evacuated from the camping ground at 5.30am, along with three residents living near the river.

A major slip closed the Lindis Pass, while a slip on the Mt Cook Highway caused problems.

State Highway 77 was closed to campervans and other high-sided vehicles because of high winds.

MetService severe weather forecaster Ian Miller said the weather system had brought massive amounts of rain to the West Coast and the Southern Alps.

The country's wettest place Cropp River inland from Hokitika had 440 millimetres of rain between midnight Friday and midnight Saturday, with another 106mm from then until 7am yesterday.

More than 300mm had fallen close to Mount Cook village and parts of the Mackenzie Country had about 70mm.

Meridian Energy spokeswoman Claire Shaw said vast inflows to the Waitaki hydro system had forced the power company to spill water.

"We started spilling Friday night at Benmore to put a hole in the lake, so when the expected rain came down we had somewhere to put it. Spilling at Aviemore followed pretty soon after that, and we started spilling at Pukaki today."

It was difficult to know how long the spilling would continue, she said.

Environment Canterbury southern flood controller Graham Sullivan said the Waitaki was a massive river, but an expected peak flow of 1800 to 2000 cubic metres a second would cause problems and surface flooding.

"It could well be the biggest flow since 1995.

"It's been a combination of three things a lot of snow, a lot of rain, and we already had a saturated catchment from a fortnight or so ago, and those things have combined to provide an enormous amount of water."

Another burst of rain is expected in the high country and the Canterbury foothills this morning, but should clear this afternoon.

Last night, MetService forecaster Mark Pascoe warned the weather was about to turn cold, with south to south-westerly winds this week bringing a chance of snow to low levels in parts of the south on Wednesday.

Snow was possible to about 400 metres in Canterbury and to 200m to 300m further south.

www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/2418478/Flooding-and-slips-after-deluge

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Deluge brings chaos to region

Lindis Pass closed after bridge scoured

By JEFF TOLLAN - The Timaru Herald | 5:00AM - Monday, 18 May 2009



TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT: Rising floodwaters near
Falstone Reserve at Lake Benmore put at least one
caravan in a precarious position yesterday.
— STEPHEN BROWN/The Timaru Herald.

The surge of water down the Omarama Stream has forced the closure of the bridge on State Highway 8, completely shutting the Lindis Pass to heavy vehicles.

New Zealand Transport Agency operations manager for Otago/Southland Murray Clarke said the high flows scoured an abutment of the bridge.

The damage was found about 9.30am today and crews are now at the scene trying to repair the structure.

Mr Clarke said light vehicles are taking a detour along a private road.

``It's quite a big job to get opened. Water got in behind the embankment where the road is up against the end of the bridge.''

Nobody can recall when the bridge was last closed due to scouring, Mr Clarke said.

It follows on from the king-hit to the region by the weekend's weather; which forced evacuations, blew part of the Opuha Dam out, isolated townships and put Omarama on the brink of a Civil Defence emergency.

And that was just the start.

The Waitaki River's Kurow bridges were last night closed from 6pm until 7am today due to high river levels.

State Highway One was closed from Orari to Ealing yesterday afternoon after the Rangitata River breached a stop bank. It was reopened early this morning.

Trains were also stopped, with the line between Temuka and Bankside at Rangitata closed due to safety concerns.

Kiwi Rail public affairs manager Kevin Ramshaw said workers will inspect the track, culverts and bridges this morning before deciding whether to reopen the line. So far two trains have been delayed.

Traffic also faced delays yesterday, with diversions through Geraldine from Hinds and Orari. Journeys were made even slower by the one-way bridge north of Geraldine.

By 5pm yesterday up to 200 vehicles were queuing either side of the bridge as contractors tried to keep traffic moving.

As night drew on, roads were still closed as water, up to knee height in places, ran across farmland and roads.

New Zealand Transport Agency regional manager Colin Hey said the highway between Orari and Ealing would remain closed through last night, and be reassessed this morning.

"It's really a matter of having a look in the morning, reviewing the situation and playing it by ear."

He said that, in parts, the water was thought to be about half a metre deep, but "nobody's game to drive through it" to measure the depth.

One contractor had tried but turned back when water started flowing over the bonnet of his vehicle.

Even when the water recedes, Mr Hey said the highway would most likely need repairs to the seal before it could open.

Omarama has also been plagued by water worries.

Early yesterday the town was "on the edge" of a Civil Defence emergency, with water ankle-deep in the main street and up to a metre deep in other places.

Constable Paul Mander of the Kurow police said the town "just got by" without declaring an emergency, though 31 people were evacuated from the camping ground at 5.30am, along with three residents living near the river.

He said emergency services, including Civil Defence, had been planning for the rain.

"We knew it was coming and semi-prepared for it last night [Saturday]."

A major slip in the Lindis Pass saw that road closed, while a slip on the Mt Cook Highway, just north of Peter's Lookout, partially closed one lane.

"It's quite unpredictable," Mr Mander said of the flooding and slips.

"A few bridge approaches have been damaged and we've still got quite a lot of rural residents who are isolated, but it's business as usual for them."

At Huxley Lodge, in the Hopkins Valley at the head of Lake Ohau, 17 school pupils and their teachers from John McGlashan College in Dunedin were trapped, the roads too dangerous to get in or out of the area.

However, Mr Mander said police have spoken to the group and are satisfied they will be OK.

"They were planning to stay in there for a week anyway, it's just the access [that is the problem]."

And when it wasn't raining, it was blowing.

State Highway 77 was closed to campervans and other high-sided vehicles because of high winds. There were reports yesterday that in exposed areas the winds were too strong for people to stand upright.

www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/news/2418603/Deluge-brings-chaos-to-region

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Roads closed, stock moved as deluge hits

By WILL HINE in Queenstown - The Southland Times | 5:00AM - Monday, 18 May 2009

Roads were closed and stock was shifted after a deluge of rain hit the Southern Lakes and Central Otago during the weekend.

Queenstown and Wanaka received more than a month's rainfall in just three days, causing problems in the Lakes district and further downstream in Central.

The Clutha River rose sharply in several places, triggering flood alerts, while the Dart River near Glenorchy swelled from a sedate 50 cubic metres a second to more than 650 cumecs yesterday.

Lake Wakatipu rose 60cm and Lake Wanaka rose about a metre but neither threatened to flood.

The wet weather caused problems on roads, with at least one traffic incident caused by flooding.

Acting Sergeant Terry Wood, of Queenstown, said a motorist was taken to hospital with chest pain after his vehicle left Glenorchy Rd on Saturday afternoon.

"He was driving into Wilson's Bay, hit some water and aquaplaned across into a tree."

The man was later discharged from hospital, Mr Wood said.

There was also a slip about 22km from Queenstown on Glenorchy Rd, which blocked one lane, and flooding on Frankton Rd.

Constable Mike Johnston, of Wanaka, said the Hawea-Makarora road was blocked by slips twice on Saturday.

Further north, a gravel road surrounding a bridge in Matukituki Valley was washed away on Saturday night but was rebuilt by contractors yesterday.

Cromwell police closed State Highway 8 at Tarras because of slips on the Omarama side of the Lindis Pass, before reopening the route yesterday afternoon.

Otago Regional Council environmental information and science director John Threlfall said he was tracking river levels and had an eye on waterways near Balclutha.

"You've got Wakatipu, Wanaka and Hawea combining with the Manuherikia, which, all combined, is giving us the high flows in the south end. We're advising farmers to move stock from low-lying levels but we don't expect it to be too much of a problem."

Central Otago Mayor Malcolm Macpherson said the Manuherikia River was high. The Clutha River was high but it was not causing any problems for the Manuherikia flow to clear.

"We are not near any of our risk levels yet ... it will depend on just how much more rain we get in the high catchment areas," he said.

Coronet Peak ski area manager Hamish McCrostie said torrential rain washed away a lot of the snow that had fallen during the week.

"It's snowing again now, so that bodes well," he said. "One good thing is the rain's filled up all the reservoirs so we've got plenty of water for snow-making."

www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/queenstown/2418561/Roads-closed-stock-moved-as-deluge-hits

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Cyclist survives torrent

Clyde coastguard comes to rescue as man stranded

By WILL HINE in Queenstown - The Southland Times | 5:00AM - Monday, 18 May 2009



OFF TRACK: Richard Todd, of Alexandra, who
was rescued by the Clyde coastguard after
getting stranded on a bike track in Central
Otago at the weekend.
— BARBARA WITHINGTON/The Southland Times.

An Alexandra man found himself up to his neck in a "raging torrent" yesterday after biking along a track next to the swollen Clutha River.

The Clyde coastguard rescued Richard Todd after he was stranded biking along the rail trail from Clyde to Alexandra.

Before setting off Mr Todd had seen the Clyde Dam spilling water "like Niagara Falls" but he was familiar with the riverside track and decided to go ahead with his regular ride.

Mr Todd said he was cycling along the trail when he got to a pool of water about 30cm deep on the track. "That was all right but then I came to another lot. It was probably up to my handlebars."

Mr Todd's bike slipped off a submerged wooden section.

He managed to unhook his feet from his pedals but was starting to get nervous.

"I thought, `how far do I go'? I was getting too deep, I was up to my neck in it. It was getting deeper and deeper."

Mr Todd decided to turn back but by then the river was a foot higher and rising.

He found an outcrop of land, which had become an island of sorts, and called rescue services; the Clyde coastguard arrived within 20 minutes.

"I happened to have my mobile in a waterproof pouch in my backpack, luckily. Otherwise I think I would have been screwed. I was very cold and ... all I could see around me was water. Thank God for the search and rescue."

Recovering at his house after the ordeal, Mr Todd said he had been "quietly sh***ing himself" as the water rose around him.

He paid tribute to the excellent work of emergency services and said he planned to thank them in person.

Contact Energy spokesman Jonathan Hill said the Clyde Dam floodgates were opened during the weekend to let the Clutha River flow at its natural rate.

"The fact the dam is there is irrelevant because we're simply passing the volume of water upstream of the dam to downstream of the dam."

Mr Hill said the river was running at about 1500 cubic metres of water a second, three times its normal flow rate.

www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/2418562/Cyclist-survives-torrent

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Snow on the way

Some South Island roads reopen

By PAUL GORMAN - The Press | 12:51PM - Monday, 18 May 2009

An early winter snowfall is brewing south of the country and is expected to bring snow to much of Canterbury from tomorrow night through to Thursday.

Weather forecasters are warning of plunging temperatures and snow to low levels, possibly as low as sea-level, on Wednesday.

Blue Skies Weather forecaster Tony Trewinnard says south-westerly winds will become very cold tomorrow in the wake of a cold front, and even colder on Wednesday.

Rain will spread north tomorrow afternoon, with snow lowering to 200m in the evening, and flurries to sea-level on Wednesday, although little snow is expected to settle that low down.

From tomorrow night until Thursday morning 3 to 5cm could accumulate between 200m and 400m, with up to 10cm above that, Trewinnard said.

MetService severe weather forecaster Mark Pascoe said the icy blast would be worst in Southland and eastern Otago, leading to dangerous driving conditions on higher roads.

ROADS REOPEN

South Island roads closed during yesterday's flooding have reopened.

Water across State Highway 1 near Rangitata, which forced motorists to detour inland through Geraldine, has cleared.

In North Otago, the 113-year-old Waitaki River bridges between Kurow and Hakataramea reopened this morning.

Environment Canterbury southern flood controller Graham Sullivan said the crossing would remain open unless the river flow reached a trigger point of 1500 cubic metres of water a second.

Caution is being urged on State Highway 8 in the Lindis Pass, from Omarama to Tarras.

www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/2420325/Snow-on-the-way

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Storm, winds cause havoc

By CLAIRE CONNELL - The Marlborough Express | 1:00PM - Monday, 18 May 2009

High winds caused havoc in Marlborough at the weekend, uprooting trees, throwing a car-sized wooden shed 600 metres across a paddock, ripping roofs off houses, and leaving 6000 homes without power.

Linkwater couple Barbara and Jarrett Jenkins woke to chaos outside their home at about 4.30am yesterday.

"This wind just came out of nowhere; there was this roar and a bang and the wind hit a macrocarpa tree just about hit the house," Mrs Jenkins said today.

The tree was uprooted and just missed the corner of the house.

She said their wood-and-iron calf shed, big enough to fit a car inside, was uplifted and thrown 600m to the other side of the paddock.

Their hayshed roof came off and was hurled into the creek.

Their conservatory suffered, too, with four sheets of heavy plastic bending back. The couple had to tie them down, but water was still coming in the roof this morning.

"We had a two-seater wooden swing thrown 50 feet [16 metres]. I mean, it was silly to go outside; there wasn't much we could do until daylight."

The couple have insurance.

Despite being one of the worst affected, their power remained on.

Steve Benjamin, resident of Waikakaho Valley, said power was out at his house from Saturday night until lunchtime yesterday. There was no damage to his house.

Linkwater Services service station co-owner John Smith said it was a "pretty rough night" at Linkwater, with reports of three residents having roofs blown off their sheds. Power was out in the area from 3am to 7am on Sunday, but was restored quickly thanks to the efforts of Marlborough Lines staff, he said.

Marlborough Lines engineer Richard Steer said about 6000 customers were affected at some stage with trees falling on lines. Power was out ranging from a few minutes to 14 hours at Waikakaho Valley.

Areas disrupted included Onamalutu, Wairau Valley township, Spring Creek, Ngakuta (near Linkwater), Springlands, Linkwater, and areas in the Marlborough Sounds.

Waikakaho Valley, north of the Wairau River, and Wakamarina (near Canvastown) were also affected, with 10 trees down.

Mr Steer said Marlborough Lines had about 30 staff working, and finished about 9pm last night. All power had been restored apart from a few isolated houses, he said.

Marlborough Roads asset manager David Miller reported multiple trees down in areas north of Blenheim. Beech trees were down on State Highway 1 behind Renwick, State Highway 63, State Highway 6 west of Havelock, and the Marlborough Sounds behind Kenepuru Heads.

Ellen Plasier, who lives in the Outer Pelorus Sound with her family, said they had no reports of major damage but many branches came down on Saturday night.

www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/news/2420128/Storm-winds-cause-havoc

[Kiwithrottlejockey]

Motorists stranded as snow closes roads

NZPA | 9:40PM - Sunday, 04 October 2009

The army is tonight rescuing hundreds of motorists trapped in their vehicles after heavy snow closed roads across the central North Island.

Up to 200 vehicles were trapped on State Highway 5 between Napier and Taupo, with most cars believed to have stopped because of snow and ice at Waipunga, at about the halfway point.

About 150 people had made their way to the Te Pohue Hotel and a further 60 were at the Te Pohue Hall, Hastings Civil Defence controller Mike Maguire said.

"Police, the army and Civil Defence have activated and the army is sending in Unimogs to get people to buses waiting at a safe point on the road," he said.

He advised those waiting to stay put.

"People need to stay where they are and stay as warm as possible," Mr Maguire said.

"When they hear or see army vehicles approaching they need to flash their lights so they can be seen."

A welfare centre has been set up at Hukerere Girls College at Eskdale, and Red Cross and the Salvation Army workers were gathering there to make sure evacuees were warm and feed.

The army also rescued motorists from SH1 near Waiouru.

Police central communications Inspector Kirsty Henson said about 120 cars had been stuck on State Highway 1 between Waiouru and the Three Sisters.

Those rescued would be returned to their vehicles tomorrow, she told NZPA.

Snow had also closed SH49 between Ohakune and Waiouru, and SH47 at Turangi, she said.

The MetService issued heavy snow warnings for the central North Island high country, from the Tongariro National Park and the hills and ranges of Hawkes Bay.

"Snow is expected down to 400m, with heavy falls through to (tomorrow) morning, especially above 600m," forecaster Andy Downs said.

A heavy rain warning was also in place for the Eastern Bay of Plenty, Gisborne and Hawke's Bay.

East of Whakatane, rain should ease early tomorrow, with 50-70mm of rain expected to fall until then, he said.

Heavy rain was expected in Gisborne until tomorrow morning, easing by evening.

www.stuff.co.nz/national/2929638/Motorists-stranded-as-snow-closes-roads

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Chaos continues on snow covered roads

Stranded travellers rescued

By MIKE WATSON - The Dominion Post with NZPA | 4:25PM - Monday, 05 October 2009



WEATHER WOES: Unseasonable snow covers farmland at Matawai,
north of Gisborne. A state of civil emergency has been declared in
Taupo after heavy snow left trapped dozens of people in their
vehicles on State Highway 5 between Taupo and Napier. — NZPA.

Hundreds of travellers evacuated from snow-stranded vehicles overnight will spend another night in emergency shelters, while some central North Island roads remain closed.

The army was called in to evacuate 56 people from State Highway 1 to Waiouru military camp, where they spent the night.

Major Monique Brown said those motorists were ferried back to their vehicles and given a brief chance to leave Waiouru from 12.30pm, after SH1 was cleared.

The road had since been closed again after bad weather but could reopen later today, an army spokesman said.

Another 668 travellers were evacuated from State Highway 5, with 368 rescued from the Napier end of the highway, and 300 evacuated to Taupo.

SH5 remained closed but Civil Defence and roading contractors were looking at beginning to retrieve the 150-odd cars in blocks of 20 later today.

The number of cars meant most owners would need to wait until tomorrow, Taupo District Council said.

Snow was expected on the road again tomorrow, causing further delays.

Council controller Tina Jakes said the retrieval would be "a major logistical exercise".

"We understand that people will be anxious to get their cars back and get on their way but we ask that they are patient and let us get on with the process as quickly as possible."

"We will keep people being accommodated updated on any progress and ask that those in private or commercial accommodation call us if we don't already have their contact details and/or car keys."

Napier police area commander Inspector Kevin Kalff said there were no concerns for the welfare of anyone stranded or rescued.

The last bus load of cold and tired travellers were rescued by 9am from the Taupo side of the road and were resting at the Taupo Events Centre before being sent to a local marae. Taupo Mayor Rick Cooper drove one of the evacuation buses.

Those who had been rescued were either taken to the Tarawera Tavern, the Summit Kiosk or the Te Pohue Hotel. Some motorists had been picked up by family and friends.

Hukarere Girls College at Eskdale, north of Napier, was also acting as a centre for those evacuated.

Mr Kalff said there had been great support from the businesses along the Napier-Taupo Road who had taken the evacuees and from organisations such as four-wheel drive clubs.

One motorist, returning with four passengers from the David Tua vs Shane Cameron boxing match at Mystery Creek in Waikato, said hundreds of cars were trapped on State Highway 5 between Taupo and Napier last night.

Only four-wheel-drives, including fire trucks, were able to move on the blocked roads, he said.




TRAPPED: Heavy snow on the Napier-Taupo road left motorists stranded yesterday. — TASHA BROWN.




WHITE OUT: The road was closed after the unseasonable snowfall. — TASHA BROWN.




GOING NOWHERE: Stranded motorists were bused to safety. — TASHA BROWN.


Rangitaiki Tavern owner Marion Klaus said this morning she had been up all night making soup and cups of tea and coffee for hundreds of stranded travellers.

Taupo 4-Wheel Drive Club members had been foraying out to collect people from their cars on the Napier-Taupo Road during the night to bring them back to the tavern.

The tavern was without power overnight, except for gas hobs and what was provided by a mobile generator brought out by Taupo Civil Defence.

From the tavern, Taupo civil defence were busing people back to Taupo.

Mrs Klaus said there were a lot of empty cars on the road, including a truck that was blocking the highway.

Hastings District Council had established a public inquiry number through its main number phone number 06 871 5000 for people wanting to find out if their family members were safe.

Taupo's Emergency Operations Centre had also organised a phone inquiry number — 0800 275 832 .

Police were asking all drivers who had to abandon their cars last night and went to Napier to report back to Hukerere Girls College at 10am so the road could be cleared of vehicles.

Drivers who could not make their own way to Hukerere should make their way to the Tennyson Hotel in Napier by 9am so Civil Defence could arrange transport to Eskdale.

Meanwhile, State Highway 1 at the Desert Road has been closed since yesterday afternoon and snow continued to fall in the area this morning.

A heavy rain warning also remained in place for the Eastern Bay of Plenty, Gisborne and Hawke's Bay.

Icy winds, rain and snowfalls are set to continue for another couple of days as a cold snap takes hold around the country.

Those brave enough to venture outside in Wellington yesterday were forced to wrap up in scarves and winter coats as temperatures hovered around 8 degrees celsius.

A MetService spokesman said snow would fall to about 600 metres in the Central Plateau and Western Hawke's Bay, with up to 20 centimetres forecast to accumulate by this morning. Snow was also possible on the Rimutaka Hill Road.

Bay of Plenty, Gisborne and Hawke's Bay would have heavy rain today. People in those areas should watch for rapidly rising streams and rivers, the spokesman said.

Cold southerly gales are forecast to continue blasting Wellington today, with the temperature expected to be about 9°C.

"There's a bit of a low that is hanging round and it will be a day or two before it is nudged off," he said.

"These types of weather conditions are not unusual for this time of year. We expect changeable patterns."

LAMBS DIE IN COLD

Meanwhile rain, snow and cold winds are killing newborn lambs in the region.

"It is sad to see any animal die, and particularly lambs, but it is a reality of farm life," said the Veterinary Association animal welfare co-ordinator Virginia Williams.

But she expected most lambs would survive the cold because they were able to deal with sudden changes of temperature.

"They can seek out shelter when they need it or snuggle into their mothers for additional warmth if it gets really cold, but in general they're used to it and it doesn't harm them. It is not the same as putting a baby or toddler out in the cold," Dr Williams said.

Farmers should ensure lambs, and their mothers, had access to shelter such as trees, bushes, rushes or even the odd hay bale.

MetService forecasters said today that more snow was expected and the weather was unlikely to let up until tomorrow.

www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/national/2930147/Stranded-travellers-rescued

[Kiwithrottlejockey]

Waikato shivers as snow falls

By JEFF NEEMS - Waikato Times | 10:48AM - Tuesday, 06 October 2009



ICED WITH SNOW: Tasha Warren and son Cole admire
the snow which fell on Mount Pirongia overnight.
— PETER DRURY/Waikato Times.

Mount Pirongia and Mount Te Aroha resembled cakes sprinkled with icing sugar this morning as the wintry blast which has hit the country brought October snow to the higher parts of the Waikato.

Louise Belay, who lives about 300 metres up the 959m Mount Pirongia, woke this morning to see snow on top of the mountain — the second time in the six years she and her family have lived there.

"It's just white and frosty on the uppermost peak," Ms Belay said.

"It's not completely covered in snow, but it looks like it's got an icing sugar covering on it."

"It would be really cool if it was around our house."

"It looks pretty amazing, and I think it's always exciting when it snows on Pirongia because it's so rare — last time (in September, 2005) I completely missed it and drove to work."

Conservation Department ranger Warren Geraghty said there was a thick blanket of snow on Mount Te Aroha, the heaviest fall he had seen in his 31 years working in the area.

"Last time I saw it that thick was in August 1978," Mr Geraghty said.

"We couldn't get all the way up (the mountain) — it was too thick."

Mr Geraghty said up to 15 centimetres of snow covered the road to the television transmitter at the top of the mountain, and it was thick enough for a couple of snowboarders to test their skills.

"You could have had skiing — I said to them: you'll get a good ride up there," Mr Geraghty said.

Wel Networks Ltd customer relations manager Brendon Moloney said the company had experienced a "peak demand" of 137 megawatts in the past 24 hours as customers cranked up their heating.

Mr Moloney said that usage level was about 10 per cent higher than what the company would expect for this time of year.

Staff at Te Aroha's McConnochie's Service Station reported a surge in sales of LPG bottle fills as residents rushed to stay warm in temperatures more akin to mid-winter than the second official month of spring.

Meanwhile, hundreds of cars remained stuck on the snow-covered Napier-Taupo road last night, and several hundred people spent a second night in makeshift accommodation after a heavy snowfall cut off State Highway 5.

State Highway 1 between Taihape and Turangi was also closed because of the weather.

Another 30cm of snow was expected to fall in parts of the central North Island last night and today.

The road closures came too late for more than 600 motorists who took to the roads only to become stuck in the heavy snow.

MetService had issued heavy snow warnings down to 600m in Tongariro National Park and for the Napier-Taupo road as early as Saturday morning.

Taupo Mayor Rick Cooper, who drove a bus to ferry motorists back to Taupo, said the roads should have been closed a lot earlier, preventing the mass strandings of vehicles.

"Rescuing 600 people on a horrendous night in blizzard conditions should not have had to happen," he said.

Many motorists, some with pets, spent up to 12 hours in their cars huddled under blankets, wrapped in layers of spare clothes, with little food and drink.

Warmer weather from tomorrow is expected to hasten the thaw.

www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/2935333/Waikato-shivers-as-snow-falls

[Kiwithrottlejockey]

Freeze ‘to lift tomorrow’

By JODY O'CALLAGHAN - Manawatu Standard | 12 NOON - Tuesday, 06 October 2009



Snow dumps and wintry conditions, which crippled parts of the central North Island's road network, are expected to continue until tomorrow, Metservice says.

The chilly weather and snow dumps around the Central Plateau were unusually heavy and widespread for October, Metservice weather ambassador Bob McDavitt said.

"Snow which closed the Desert Road and Napier-Taupo Road on Sunday was caused by a low pressure system deepening over the area at the same time as a cold southerly flow arrived."

Skies were not likely to clear over the eastern and southern North Island until tomorrow, he said.

The Metservice said more snow was likely on the plateau last night.



Many motorists returning to Palmerston North at the weekend were held up in road blocks caused by snow and the police search for a gunman in the Norsewood area.

Physiotherapist Aisling Keating was heading home from Hawke's Bay with friends when they hit a road cordon at Waipukurau about 5pm on Sunday.

They waited and hour then turned around, she said. After staying the night at a friend's house in Waipukurau, Miss Keating rang police to ask about any detours yesterday morning.

"They asked us to stay put really."

Motorists who had taken the detour road around the police search area were being towed out of the snow, she said.

www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/2935014/Freeze-to-lift-tomorrow

[Kiwithrottlejockey]

Police leading drivers along SH5

By MIKE WATSON and KATHY WEBB - The Dominion Post | 6:18PM - Tuesday, 06 October 2009



LONG WAY HOME: Snow-bound cars at the Taupo end of the Napier-Taupo Road are
seen from a four-wheel drive vehicle rescuing stranded motorists. — MATHEW CARTER.

The Napier-Taupo Road has been opened after being closed for two days because of heavy snow.

In a 6pm update, the NZ Transport Agency, police and Taupo and Hastings Civil Defence said they had decided to reopen State Highway 5.

Police escorts were leading queues of vehicles through from either side to "to prevent anxious motorists from driving dangerously".

The Napier-Taihape Road between Kuripapango and Taihape is still closed.

LATE CLOSURES DEFENDED

Roading authorities defended their decision not to close vital highways in the central and eastern North Island earlier, after hundreds of motorists were stranded in metre-deep snow.

Last night around 100 cars remained stuck on the snow-covered Napier-Taupo Road and several hundred people have spent a second night in makeshift accommodation after a heavy snowfall cut off SH5.

State Highway 1 was closed last night between Turangi and Taihape because of the bad weather, however authorities have re-opened a section of the road south of Waiouru this morning.

A further 30 centimetres of snow was expected to fall in parts of the central North Island last night and today.

But the road closures came too late for more than 600 motorists who took to the roads only to become stuck in the snow.

MetService had issued warnings of heavy snow down to 600 metres in Tongariro National Park and on the Napier-Taupo Road as early as Saturday morning.

Taupo Mayor Rick Cooper, who drove a bus to ferry motorists back to Taupo, said roads should have been closed a lot earlier, preventing the mass strandings of vehicles.

"Rescuing 600 people on a horrendous night in blizzard conditions should not have had to have happened," he said.

"People were very scared and frightened, many, including the elderly, had a horrific night."




LOSS OF TRACTION: Aucklander Mathew Carter, right, and another motorist try to help a driver
get to grips with the conditions. — MATHEW CARTER.


New Zealand Transport Agency national state highways manager David Bates said road crews had been aware of the forecast but were caught out by the large amount of snow which fell in a short time.

"It was a freak occurrence which was significantly worse than we anticipated for this time of year," he said.

"We had the equipment and crews to keep the road open as long as we could but a massive temperature drop around 2pm swamped our trucks and equipment.

"We are very sorry many motorists became trapped. It would have been a scary experience for all."

Late yesterday afternoon authorities let some motorists back to retrieve cars as emergency teams worked to clear the road.

The road may not be fully cleared till late today. The forecast is for more snow, which could delay the road being opened.

About 130 cars remained on the Napier-Taupo Road overnight.

Emergency services sprang into action when a civil defence emergency was issued late on Sunday after 668 motorists became stranded.

A further 56 people were rescued on the Desert Road by the army and taken to Waiouru.

Taupo 4WD club members retrieved motorists and took them back to Rangitaiki Tavern, where they were given hot drinks and taken by bus to Taupo.

Many motorists, some with pets, spent up to 12 hours in their cars huddled under blankets, wrapped in layers of spare clothes, with little food and drink.

Among those stranded were elderly grandparents, school children on holiday and babies.

Hundreds of abandoned cars, trucks and buses littered the Napier-Taupo Road, blocked by several trucks which had jack-knifed across the road.

MetService spokesman Bob McDavitt said such a heavy snowfall was unusual for the North Island in October.

"[It's] more like a winter sort of snow than a spring snow."

The unseasonal freeze was caused when a deep low passing over the North Island coincided with a cold southerly.

The result was a sudden drop in temperatures, Mr McDavitt said.

TERRIFIED MOTORISTS SUFFER LONG WAIT

Denise Benson and her grandson Kyza Rarere had just two pieces of chewing gum between them as they sat stranded in their car.

They huddled together as the snow fell on the Napier-Taupo Road, holding off on eating the two pieces of PK for as long as possible.

The snow reached as high as the bonnet of their Toyota Caldina.

"I was very frightened and terrified," Mrs Benson said.

"It was just so unexpected, the blizzard came in so quick.

"It was too dangerous to carry on, trucks were jack-knifing and cars ahead of us were sliding over the road."

The pair kept warm by putting on as many clothes as possible, and Mrs Benson wrapped her feet up to keep them from freezing.

The pair used the car heater every hour or so, fearing they would run out of petrol if they kept it on.

They were finally rescued at 1am, after 10 hours in the car.

"My feet were the worst. They just froze all night," Mrs Benson said.

Gareth Holdsworth, of Auckland, set out from Napier mid-afternoon on Sunday in rain, which quickly turned to sleet then snow, as he and girlfriend Jennie Parsons neared Te Pohue on State Highway 5.

"We were half an hour slower than usual driving because of the weather — the snow just came in thick and fast."

They put on spare clothes, and ate grapes and Buzz Bars beneath a duvet until they were rescued by Taupo 4WD club members at 7am yesterday, 16 hours later.

"We weren't too worried, we knew someone would come and get us.

"The four-wheel-drive guys were just awesome."




RESCUED PAIR: Denise Benson and her grandson Kyza Rarere, 11, prepared for their second night billeted
at Waipahihi Marae in Taupo. — MIKE WATSON/The Dominion Post.


Boarding schools, marae, and motels catered for the stranded motorists.

Hukatere College principal Heather Moller said the school's kitchens were busy as Red Cross staff ensured everyone had hot drinks and food.

Waipahihi Marae in Taupo hosted about 50 people, providing hot food and drinks, and accommodation in the meeting house.

SNOW, BUT NO GOOD FOR SKIING

The weekend's snowstorm on Mount Ruapehu was too violent to extend the skiing season, ski-field managers say.

Blizzards that closed roads, stranded motorists and prompted civil emergencies in the central North Island have done little to boost the diminishing snow base at Turoa and Whakapapa ski-fields.

Both fields were closed yesterday because of the weather.

Ruapehu Alpine Lifts marketing manager Mike Smith said he doubted much of the snow would be left when the storm eased off, as the wind was so strong it was stopping the snow from settling on the ski-fields.

"It will drift into the gullies and valleys."

www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/national/2933843/Delay-in-closing-roads-defended

[Kiwithrottlejockey]

Snow falls as new cold snap hits the country

By PAUL GORMAN - The Press with The Dominion Post and NZPA | 12:35PM - Friday, 09 October 2009



WINTRY BLAST: Snow is currently falling in Canterbury with heavy
falls predicted to fall to 200m in the region and also Marlborough.
— KIRSTEE ROBINSON & TAMIKA AYNSLEY.

A fresh wintry blast is moving up the country, with snow falling in Canterbury and heavy rain hitting the capital.

Snow is currently falling in Canterbury's Darfield and Kirwee, with heavy falls predicted to fall to 200m in the region and also Marlborough.

The MetService last night warned that up to 30 centimetres of snow was likely down to 300m between this morning and tomorrow morning, with lesser falls to 200m.

Farmers were advised to move stock to safety, and police asked drivers to take extreme care as roads turned snowy and icy.

Snow began falling in parts of Central Otago last night, with 6cm lying in St Bathans by 8pm.

MetService forecaster Mark Pascoe said conditions today were expected to be the worst to hit the top half of the South Island this year.

"It's going to start off very cold and it's not going to get any warmer all day."

Caution is urged on highways, including the Lewis, Arthur's, Porters and Lindis passes.

Snow is also likely on the road through the Hundalees, south of Kaikoura, and on many roads in inland North Canterbury, including the route to Hanmer Springs.

In the North Island, the AA warned that the Desert Road, which was closed for part of last weekend, could have up to 10cm of snow.

Drivers on other roads, particularly in the South Island, might need to have chains fitted, the association said.

Canterbury police are warning drivers to "drive to the conditions".

Traffic manager Inspector Al Stewart said some people would be travelling long distances home as the school holidays came to an end.

"Check the weather and road conditions before you leave so you can change your plans and route if necessary," he said.

"There are many roads and passes in our district which are quite remote and susceptible to snow and ice.

"Drive to the conditions, slow down where necessary and keep your windows clear.

"Don't try risky overtaking," he said.

SEVERE WEATHER WARNING

MetService has issued severe weather warnings for Wellington, Wairarapa and the central North Island, with heavy rain, flooding and snow forecast. Up to 70mm of rain is expected to lash Wellington and the Wairarapa today, along with strong southeasterlies.

WeatherWatch.co.nz head weather analyst Philip Duncan said the timing was terrible for families returning from school holiday trips around the country.

"We're advising motorists to be aware of the conditions before setting out as snow may close state highways in both islands during Friday and Saturday."

Strong southerly winds on Saturday could create blizzards on the Desert Road and motorists should have alternate routes in mind in case of road closures, he said.

‘BE PREPARED’

North Island Civil Defence is urging motorists to travel with blankets in case snow should strand vehicles again.

The warning follows an unseasonable storm last weekend, which stranded 700 vehicles in metre-deep snow on the Desert Road and on the Taupo-Napier highway.

WELLINGTON DELUGE

Wellington police today warned motorists to take extra care on the roads as heavy rain pounded the capital this morning.

A central police communications spokesman said the heavy rain and surface flooding had been a factor in several small accidents and urged drivers to drive to the conditions and watch their following distance.

Surface flooding has been reported in the CBD and in Ngaio on the roundabout intersection between Ottawa Road and Awarua Street.

In Lower Hutt, one person was taken to hospital in a serious condition after a crash involving a car and a truck. Taita Drive between Churton Crescent and Harcourt Werry Drive would be closed till about 10.30am.

A police spokesman said the weather was making driving conditions tricky.

"The traffic is a bit heavy because everyone has slowed down. The road conditions are obviously very slippery but people seem to be driving to the conditions."

Tranzmetro's 6.04am and 6.28am train services between Wellington and Johnsonville were cancelled and replaced by buses.

FARMERS WARNED

Federated Farmers North Canterbury president Chris Sundstrum said farmers had been warned of the potentially severe weather.

"Farmers need to take precautions with vulnerable stock. There are some young lambs around. They're still lambing in the foothills and high country," he said.

"That's a concern. We don't want anything too deep or heavy, especially at this time of the year when we are getting the maximum grass growth."

Many parts of North Canterbury had not had any snow this year, he said.

"Up to 30cm down to 300m is quite a lot and could take quite a long time to clear."

www.stuff.co.nz/national/2947353/Snow-falls-as-new-cold-snap-hits

[Kiwithrottlejockey]

Plenty of snow, but southerly over in a flash

By PHIL HAMILTON - The Press | 5:00AM - Saturday, 10 October 2009



WEDDED BLISS: Honeymooners Matt and Cathi Steirn
enjoy the snow at Hanmer Springs thermal pools.
— STACY SQUIRES/The Press.

There was plenty of snow, but the South Island missed the brunt of yesterday's cold spring southerly.

MetService forecaster Mark Pascoe said it had snowed to low levels in North Canterbury and further north, but there was steady improvement from yesterday afternoon.

"It's not all over yet," he said. "But maybe it's not quite as bad as expected."

There were warnings to use chains on the Arthur's and the Lewis passes yesterday morning, but neither road was closed, and the warnings were dropped in the afternoon.

Federated Farmers North Canterbury president Chris Sundstrum said there was snow around Hanmer Springs and in the high country and inland from the Oxford hills.

"But as long as it doesn't go on too long, we should be right," he said.

"Lambing is just about under way in those areas, so hopefully it should be all right. We put out warnings, so everybody knew it was coming. They would've done what they could to get stock to shelter."

Sundstrum said the moisture would be welcome, and he had had about 30 millimetres at his farm near Eyrewell.

The snow was welcomed by many holidaymakers, who made a beeline for the Hanmer Springs thermal pools.

The snow was an unexpected treat for honeymooners Matt and Cathi Steirn.

"It's a bit weird to be in your swimmers and be so cold outside," Matt Steirn said. "It's good — a bit different from Sydney."

Greg Dellow, of the Hanmer Springs Visitor Centre, said about 10 centimetres of snow had fallen in the town.

Constable Dean Schroder, of the Kaikoura police, said several cars and trucks were stuck on State Highway 1 in the Hundalee Hills between Oaro and Conway because of the "nightmarish" conditions.

"The snow is quite bad in there and vehicles are skidding off the road," he said.

Police closed State Highway 70, from Kaikoura to Waiau, at 8pm yesterday, Schroder said.

"It's a popular with tourists in campervans," he said.

www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/national/2950469/Plenty-of-snow-but-southerly-over-in-a-flash

[Kiwithrottlejockey]

Warnings as spring chill extends its bite

By NATHAN BEAUMONT and MIKE WATSON - The Dominion Post | 5:00AM - Saturday, 10 October 2009



ROAD TEST: Crossing the road becomes a chilly prospect in Willis Street, central Wellington (left).
— KENT BLECHYNDEN/ The Dominion Post.

COLD SNAP: Snow builds up along the Mangawhero River beside Mountain Road at Turoa (right).
— RUAPEHU ALPINE LIFTS.

Motorists have been urged to carry warm clothes and blankets in case they get stranded in another spring storm that is expected to hit the North Island today.

But for skiers the bad weather is good news — Turoa's season has been extended until November 08, making it the longest season on record.

Heavy snow is forecast to fall as low as 600 metres in the central North Island today — and as low as 400 metres on the Rimutaka Hill Road — a week after an unseasonable storm stranded 700 vehicles in metre-deep snow on the Desert Road and the Napier-Taupo highway.

Civil Defence issued an alert yesterday, warning motorists to prepare for the conditions and put blankets and warm clothes in vehicles in case they get stuck.

WeatherWatch.co.nz head weather analyst Philip Duncan said the timing was terrible for families returning from school holiday trips.

"We're advising motorists to be aware of the conditions before setting out as snow may close state highways in both islands," he said.

Farmers have been advised to consider moving stock to lower ground or sheltered areas.

Wellington got a taste of things to come when a fierce spring storm forced the cancellation of some train services yesterday, caused widespread surface flooding and was a factor in several car crashes.

More than 66 millimetres of rain was recorded at Kelburn in the 24 hours to 5pm yesterday, including about 13mm between 3am and 4am. A MetService spokesman said 6mm per hour was considered a heavy downpour. "That is a heavy burst of rain and it probably would have woken quite a few people."

The downpour made driving difficult yesterday morning and caused surface flooding in parts of central Wellington and Ngaio. Two Johnsonville train services were replaced by buses because of flooding.

A police spokesman said the heavy rain and flooding had been a factor in several accidents.

One person was taken to Wellington Hospital in a serious condition after a crash involving a truck and a car in Lower Hutt.

Traffic heading into central Wellington was backed up more than usual because people were driving more slowly to cope with the conditions, he said.

The outlook for today is not much better. MetService is predicting rain will ease this afternoon, but a cold southerly wind will keep the temperature at 9 degrees celsius.

More snow was falling on Mt Ruapehu yesterday and clear skies are forecast for tomorrow.

Turoa, with a snow base of 2.6 metres, would now close on November 08, two weeks later than usual, Ruapehu Alpine Lifts said.

Whakapapa, with a snow base of 1.6 metres, would remain open until Labour Day on October 26.

www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/national/2950314/Warnings-as-spring-chill-extends-its-bite

[Kiwithrottlejockey]

Icy wake-up call for Nelsonians

By LAURA BASHAM - The Nelson Mail | 12:30PM - Saturday, 10 October 2009



PICTURE PERFECT: The trawler Kay Dee leaves Port Nelson today
with fresh snow down to lower levels on the Western Ranges.
— MARTIN DE RUYTER/The Nelson Mail.

Spring snow made for a picture perfect day in Nelson today.

Nelsonians woke to see snow down to 800 metres on the Doubles this morning and it blanketed the Western Ranges.

Nelson weather forecaster John Mathieson said the snow came with an easterly front, which fell between 11am and 3pm yesterday, but could not be seen then because the cloud was so low.

It is the second snowfall in Nelson since the end of last month, when snow came down to 700m on the top of Barnicoat.

Heavy downpours dumped 40mm of rain in Nelson yesterday, but it would be fine today, tomorrow and Monday, said Mr Mathieson.

"The good news is we are 75 hours of sunshine ahead of Blenheim so we should be able to pick them off this year," he said.

Yesterday's wet weather caused two power poles to move in Hill Street, Richmond, which meant the line sagged and the street was closed to traffic briefly during repairs.

Lines came down in the Glen, taking out the power to 100 homes between 2.30pm and 5.30pm yesterday.

State Highway 6 was down to one lane near the top of the Spooners Saddle south of Nelson this morning because of a rock spill covering the road.

Motorists are being warned about heavy snowfalls in other parts of the South Island, with chains essential on Arthur's and Lewis passes.

Constable Dean Schroder, of the Kaikoura police, said several cars and trucks were stuck on State Highway 1 in the Hundalee Hills between Oaro and Conway last night, because of the "nightmarish" conditions.

"The snow is quite bad in there and vehicles are skidding off the road," he said. "The roads are in a mess and people are having difficulty staying on the road.

"It's the main route for heavy trucks that go to catch the ferry from Christchurch and they can't get up the hill because it's too icy. It's our main line."

Police closed State Highway 70, from Kaikoura to Waiau, at 8pm yesterday because of bad weather, Constable Schroder said.

"It's particularly popular with tourists in campervans, and they are just not suitable in these sort of conditions. Campervans are getting blown all over the place," he said.

MetService forecaster Mark Pascoe said it had snowed to low levels in North Canterbury and further north, but there was steady improvement from yesterday afternoon.

"It's not all over yet," he said. "But maybe it's not quite as bad as expected."

Farmers in the Nelson region were pleased to see today's sunshine.

At Lake Station, Malcolm McConochie said there had been a lot of rain yesterday and high winds last night, but today it was still and sunny.

Snow was down to 1000m and lambing, which was two-thirds through, had not been affected.

Another frost is expected tomorrow morning and Nelson pipfruit growers have been using irrigation to combat frosts.

Federated Farmers North Canterbury president Chris Sundstrum said there was snow around Hanmer Springs and in the high country and inland from the Oxford hills.

"But as long as it doesn't go on too long, we should be right," he said.

"Lambing is just about under way in those areas, so hopefully it should be all right. We put out warnings, so everybody knew it was coming. They would've done what they could to get stock to shelter."

Sundstrum said the moisture would be welcome, and he had had about 30 millimetres at his farm near Eyrewell.

The snow was welcomed by many holidaymakers, who made a beeline for the Hanmer Springs thermal pools.

Honeymooner Matt Stern said the snow was an unexpected treat.

"It's a bit weird to be in your swimmers and be so cold outside," he said.

"It's really coming down here. It's good — a bit different from Sydney."

Hanmer Springs Visitor Centre information consultant Greg Dellow said about 10 centimetres of snow had fallen in the town.

Police warned motorists returning home from holiday to take care in the wet conditions.

www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/news/2951727/Icy-wake-up-call-for-Nelsonians