More snow for alpine roads in South

A heavy snowfall is expected to cover a highway in the Southland region, with other alpine roads also at risk of snow showers through Wednesday.

The Milford Road, also known as State Highway 94, briefly opened on Tuesday before closing at 2.30pm due to anticipated snowfall and a moderate chance of avalanches.

According to MetService, snow is predicted to fall from 8pm on Tuesday until 10am on Wednesday.

Approximately 20cm to 30cm of snow may accumulate near the peak of the Homer Tunnel on the Milford Road, with lesser amounts expected at elevations up to 600 meters.

The Milford Road Alliance anticipates reopening the highway before 11am on Wednesday after snow removal operations. Additional snowfall is forecasted for the area on Saturday.

Snow showers are also expected on other alpine passes overnight and into Wednesday, as advised by MetService.

Crown Range Road
Snow showers are set to impact the road connecting Queenstown and Wānaka above 800 meters from 8pm on Tuesday until 3pm on Wednesday. Up to 2cm of snow may accumulate above 800 meters intermittently.

Lindis Pass (SH8)
Brief snow showers may affect the road above 800 meters overnight on Tuesday, with less than 1cm of snow likely to settle.

Arthurs Pass (SH73) and Lewis Pass (SH7)
Snow showers may briefly impact these roads near the summit on Wednesday morning starting from 2am, with occasional accumulation of less than 1cm of snow.