A number of South Island roads remain closed due to snowfall.

A heavy rain warning has been issued for the Canterbury High Country, with significant rainfall expected until 8pm on Saturday.

The forecast predicts an additional 40 to 70 mm of rain on top of what has already fallen, with the heaviest downpours likely around the Alps, where peak rainfall rates could reach 10 to 20 mm per hour.

Above 600 metres, the rain is likely to fall as heavy snow, and a Heavy Snow Warning is in effect for the South Canterbury High Country.

The chance of the warning being upgraded to a more severe Red Warning remains minimal at this stage according to Metservice.

Additionally, a Road Snowfall Warning is in place for Arthur’s Pass (SH73), with another 10 to 20 cm of snow expected to accumulate above 600 metres between up until 7pm.

Lesser amounts may settle at lower elevations, creating potentially difficult travel conditions through the pass.

The heavy rain warning was issued at 1:53pm on Saturday, with the next update expected at 9:00pm. Drivers and residents in affected areas should stay informed and take necessary precautions.

Roads closed include SH6 Haast to Makarora, SH6 Inangahua between SH69 and Brown Creek Rd,  SH7 Kaiata to Stillwater,  SH73 Otira to Arthur’s Pass Village, SH73 Springfield to Arthur’s Pass (Porters Pass) and SH80 Lake Pukaki to Mount Cook.

 

 

Meanwhile flooding has affected some parts of Greymouth, but rain is due to ease overnight.