- 2.08pm Police patrols in Christchurch have been bolstered by additional four-wheel-drive vehicles, which are helping staff to keep a close eye on road safety and maintain general patrols.
Inspector John Price says police are continuing to respond to callouts across the city, and have been checking areas where power has been cut off.
"For some people this will be a stressful time -- coming on top of earthquake damage and uncertainty. We urge people to check on their neighbours, friends and families -- make sure they"re safe and warm, and offer assistance if you can." - 2.01pm In Southland, State Highway 1 between Balclutha and Dunedin, SH93 between Mataura and Clinton, and
SH94 between Te Anau to Milford remain closed. SH6 is now open between Invercargill and Queenstown.The majority of roads around Southland remain icy and because of this, travel should be avoided wherever possible.
- 1.58pm Heavy snow has cut power to more households and businesses in Christchurch and central Canterbury today.
As at 1.30pm, about 2,000 customers across the Orion network region were without power.
About 1,700 customers are currently without power in parts of Marshland and Burwood, and other areas affected include parts of Spencerville, Bishopdale, Harewood, Tai Tapu and Rolleston.
About 1,000 customers in parts of Burwood, New Brighton and Mairehau lost power this morning after a tree fell on a power line. Power has now been restored to these areas and is also back on in Belfast, Sumner, Heathcote, Governors Bay, Little River and most of Spencerville.
Orion general manager commercial Rob Jamieson said only minor network damage has been found at this stage, mostly to overhead lines which are fast to repair. 1.50pm Christchurch City Council spokeswoman Diane Keenan says there are big concerns about the welfare of residents, particular in the east and where power has not yet been restored.
She advised people who needed any assistance to call the Government's help line on 0800 77 99 97.
Ms Keenan says most people have heeded the advise not to go out driving unless necessary.
"We've had crews out clearing the snow since first light. We have managed to open roads on the peninsula, and have laid grit, but severe care is still needed."
Many roads around the city remain closed, particularly in the hill suburbs, she said.
An update on Christchurch City roads and infrastructure can be found here.- 1.25pm CanCern secretary Brian Parker said many people in Christchurch were isolated as a result of the snow, but understood people were coping with the cold.
"Certainly we've learnt to cope, and people are coping. I've had a call from a lady whose putting on soup for people ... and I know the baking army are out with one of the councillors who has a four-wheel drive.
"No one has called to say they're freezing to death. Everyone is snuggling in and doing their thing."
Because of the earthquakes, he said people were probably better prepared to deal with events like this.
"People were certainly getting prepared for the cold winter, we've had it pretty mild. I'd say people are bundled up quite well today.
"It's a good distraction for the kids, who are out zooming around getting wet. It's good to get away from the liquefaction grey." 1.02pm WeatherWatch is forecasting heavy showers to become more frequent in Auckland this afternoon, with hail, squalls, and sleet
possible to low levels in isolated pockets.
There remains a chance of a light dusting of snow on the tops of the Hunua and Waitakere ranges - with falls heavy above 400m.- 12.04pm In the North Island, SH2 Rimutaka Hill Road remains closed and is unlikely to reopen today due to heavy snowfall. Also closed are SH1 the Desert Road, SH5 Napier to Taupo, and SH35 closed due to a washout at Waipiro.
12pm NZTA has closed most state highways in Southland and Central Otago due to heavy snow.
SH1 is closed from Gore to Clinton, from Waitaki Bridge to Dunedin, and from Dunedin to Gore, SH6 is closed from Kingston to Five Rivers, SH93 is closed from Mataura to Clinton, SH94 is closed from Hollyford Turnoff to Milford, SH8 is closed from Raes Junction to Milton, SH85 is closed from Palmerston to Kyeburn, and SH87 is clsoed from Mosgiel to Kyeburn.Other South Island closures include SH75, SH73 and SH1 in North Canterbury.
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