Weird New Zealand Snowstorm

[JBG]

I didn't realize that outside of the mountains New Zealand got snow, especially this late. Christchurch, one of NZ's capitals, just got walloped.

<b>Snow cripples Christchurch</b>

Sep 19, 2005

The icy blast which has hit the South Island has caused major disruptions to services in Christchurch and seen many schools and businesses closed.

Lincoln and Canterbury Universities and Christchurch Polytech are closed and staff at Inland Revenue, Work and Income New Zealand and the Canterbury Regional Council have been sent home.

New Zealand Post has cancelled most mail delivery services in Christchurch and Kaiapoi and its retail shops are shut for the day. It says a very limited courier service is still operating.

Christchurch City Council spokesperson Di Keenan says there hasn't been an event of this type since the big snow in 1992.

Christchurch Airport says all domestic services are operating again, however it will take some time for the back-log to clear.

Around 3000 Air New Zealand passengers had their travel plans disrupted due to the snow which forced the airline to cancel 40 flights in and out of Christchurch Airport.

Basic bus services have also resumed on most city routes.

The Selwyn District Council says snow-related power outages resulted in water supply problems in some areas and residents are being asked to conserve water.

Transit New Zealand has issued a general warning to motorists travelling in the central and lower South Island to take extreme care.

The Chricthurch City Council shut Dyer's Pass Road from the Sign of the Takahe up and the Summit Road and is advising all drivers on hill roads to avoid travelling if possible. State Highway 75 from Little River to Akaroa and State Highway 73 from Springfield through to Arthur's Pass are both closed for towing. Chains are essential.

MetService spokesman Alister Gorman said it's not unusual to get this sort of weather every few years with the main concern being for farmers who are in the middle of lambing and calving.

The cold weather will move over the North Island on Monday afternoon.