Antarctic cold snap sweeps New Zealand's South Island, shuts roads and schools

New Zealand's South Island experienced an unusual Antarctic polar blast on Tuesday, bringing snow down to sea level and causing icy temperatures that led to significant disruptions.

Dunedin, the island's second-largest city, was blanketed in snow. Police urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel due to hazardous road conditions, reporting several vehicles sliding off the road without any injuries. Local media captured images of people skiing and snowboarding down Baldwin Street, famously known as the world's steepest residential street.

Further north, snow was visible on the sands of Christchurch's New Brighton Beach. While snowfall is uncommon in Dunedin at sea level, its higher suburbs can experience snow during severe cold outbreaks. The city's bus services were completely cancelled, and ferry services between the North and South Islands were suspended due to strong winds and heavy swells.

MetService, New Zealand's national weather bureau, forecasts the cold outbreak to persist for at least two more days. Snow or sleet is expected near sea level across the eastern South Island. Forecasters predict that Thursday morning could bring the coldest temperatures recorded this year for many parts of the country.

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Police have received a number of reports of crashes across Dunedin this morning, with some vehicles sliding off the road. Thankfully, there have been no injuries.