Following last week’s blast of southerly gales, snow has descended again on the summit of SH2 Remutaka Hill.
The snow flurries started early on Thursday morning and continued falling into the mid-morning, settling on the summit and treating motorists to a picturesque – if potentially treacherous – crossing.
MetService said snow reached as low as 400 metres above sea level.
While the road remained open, cold temperatures settled in, with the summit weather station not breaking two degrees Celsius all-day Thursday.
No more snow is forecast today, and showers are expected to retreat to the coast this morning.
Nonetheless, Waka Kotahi NZTA has issued a warning that Remutaka Hill Rd could close at short notice in snowy conditions, and advised drivers to take extra care and drive to the conditions.
In wintery conditions, it is safer to drive slower than usual, accelerate or brake gently, and to keep a safe travelling distance behind other vehicles.
Meanwhile, stop-go traffic management, a lane closure, and a 30kmh speed limit remain in place on the eastern side of the summit due to a slump.
