EARLY WINTER STORM

Evening Star, Issue 25469, 27 April 1945, Page 4

EARLY WINTER STORM

SNOW IN BACK COUNTRY ALL MAIN ROADS CLEAR An unwleasant reminder of the approach of winter has been contained in the severe storm that brought with it a sprinkling of snow on the surrounding hills of the city yesterday, heavy falls in Central Otago, and the coldest clay of the year. Rain squalls again swept Dunedin this morning; but reports were that there had not been any further falls of snow in the back country overnight, and in most districts of Central Otago there was only light rain. The snow in the back country has covered the lower levels, and there has been an extensive washout on an approach to a bridge to "the Maka-rora-Haast Pass road, which has been closed to traffic, with no indication by the Works Department when it will bo negotiable. This road is negotiable from Hawea to Makarora, but beyond that point it is impassable. . The secretary of the Automobile Association (Mr P. F. Harre) said to-day that the roa'd over Mount Cargill was clear of snow, but because of low visibility motorists should exercise care. Because of the depth of snow in Central Otago it was possible that the roads over the Lindis Pass and the Crown Range were impassable, and Mr Harre suggested that motorists intending to travel by these routes should make inquiries before doing so. Both the barometer and temperatures were higher in Dunedin to-day than yesterday, when the maximum temperature was 46.5 deg. _ Over Jin of rain had fallen in Dunedin to noon to-day.