Cold for 24 more hours

Press, 16 July 1980, Page 1

Cold for 24 more hours

Canterbury can expect no relief from the cold snap until tomorrow at least, according to the Weather Office.. Forecasters yesterday predicted more hail, sleet, and snow to. low levels today, the weather clearing slowly from the south tomorrow. The southerly front yesterday brought light snowfalls to the Port Hills and inland Canterbury, and rain, sleet, and biting winds to Christchurch itself. ’ The temperature in Cathedral Square at mid-after-noon was only 3deg. Just after 3 p.m. the weather closed in so much that motorists in muny parts .of the city had to turn on their headlights. ' '** Christchurch Airport was closed for more than three hours in the- morning because of ice on the runway. Four flights were cancelled and six were delayed before the airport reopened at 9.1.5 a.m. The backlog of passengers had been cleared before 10 a.m. A few centimetres of snow lay on the ground at the Hilltop Tavern, on Banks peninsula, at nightfall yesterday. Earlier in the day children had been able to have snowball fightti in Dyers Pass Road at the Sign of the Kiwi, but the snow quickly melted.. Intermittent falls were reported at Hanmer Springs throughout the day. It snowed steadily at the Arthur’s Pass township lait evening, adding to the 15cm of snow which still lay on the ground after last week’s, falls. ■ ' ■ Arthur’s Pass was still open last . evening but chains were' advisable, the Automobile Association reported. . , Chains were essential on Lewis Pass, the spokesman said. Snow and ice had combined to make conditions treacherous on Lindis Pass, and motorists .were urged to take extreme care. Extremely icy conditions closed State highway 73 over Porters Pass about 7 p.m. yesterday. It snowed intermittently at Springfield from about IO ,a.m. and heavy falls were ‘ reported in the back country. Several cars became stuck on Potters Pass between 6 pun. and 7 p.m., and had to be towed out, according to the' police. No vehicles were left stranded. Snow fell in Methven, covering the ground, but soon blew away. Snow and rain fell heavily Tn Ashburton, but the wet ground quickly melted the snow. Cold and windy' conditions, but little snow, were reported from. Erewhon and other Mid-Canterbury, areas. • • ■