NZ Historic Weather Events Catalogue
November 2008 South Island Cold Snap
(
2008-11-04
)
20-30 years
An Antarctic blast brought unseasonable snow, hail and high winds to the South Island and hail and lightning occurred in Wellington.
New Zealand
Multi Hazard
at
New Zealand
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 11:21 am 03-Nov-2008: Heavy rain for Westland on Tuesday and severe northwest gales North Canterbury to Wairarapa. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: Westland; and STRONG WIND WARNING for: North Canterbury, eastern Marlborough and the Sounds, Wellington and Wairarapa.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 8:36 pm 03-Nov-2008: Heavy rain for Westland on Tuesday and severe northwest gales from North Canterbury to Wairarapa. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: ranges of Westland; and STRONG WIND WARNING for: North Canterbury, eastern Marlborough and the Sounds, Wellington and Wairarapa.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 9:11 am 04-Nov-2008: Heavy rain for Westland, severe northwest gales from North Canterbury to Wairarapa and heavy snow for Fiordland, Southland and Otago. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: Westland; STRONG WIND WARNING for: North Canterbury, eastern Marlborough and the Sounds, Wellington and Wairarapa; and HEAVY SNOW WARNING for: Fiordland, Southland and Otago.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 8:44 pm 04-Nov-2008: Heavy rain for Westland easing Tuesday night, severe northwest gales from North Canterbury to Wairarapa and heavy snow expected for Fiordland, Southland and Otago. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: ranges of Westland; STRONG WIND WARNING for: North Canterbury, eastern Marlborough and the Sounds, Wellington and Wairarapa; and HEAVY SNOW WARNING for: Fiordland, Southland and Otago.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 9:27 am 05-Nov-2008: Heavy snow for Fiordland, Southland and Otago today, and severe northwest gales from the Marlborough Sounds to Wairarapa until midday today. Includes HEAVY SNOW WARNING for: Fiordland, Southland and eastern Otago; and STRONG WIND WARNING for: the Marlborough Sounds, Wellington and Wairarapa. WARNINGS NO LONGER IN FORCE: Heavy Rain Warning lifted for ranges of Westland.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 3:29 pm 05-Nov-2008: Heavy snow for Fiordland, Southland, Otago today, Westland, Buller and Nelson this evening and for the Central North Island high country tonight. Northwest gales in Wairarapa easing later this afternoon. Includes HEAVY SNOW WARNING for: Southland, South Otago, Westland and Buller from the Paparoa Range northwards to the western ranges of Nelson and the Central North Island Plateau; and STRONG WIND WARNING for: Summit of the Rimutaka Road and northern Wairarapa. WARNINGS NO LONGER IN FORCE: Strong Wind Warning lifted for Marlborough Sounds and Wellington.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 6:19 pm 05-Nov-2008: Unseasonable heavy snow for South Island hills and North Island’s Central Plateau. Northwest gales in Wairarapa easing later this afternoon. Includes HEAVY SNOW WARNING for: Southland, South Otago, Westland and Buller from the Paparoa Range northwards to the western ranges of Nelson and the Central North Island Plateau. WARNINGS NO LONGER IN FORCE: Strong Wind Warning lifted for Summit of the Rimutaka Road and northern Wairarapa.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 8:48 pm 05-Nov-2008: Unseasonable heavy snow for the South Island hills and North Island’s Central Plateau. Includes HEAVY SNOW WARNING for: Southland, South Otago, Westland and Buller from the Paparoa Range northwards to the western ranges of Nelson and the Central North Island Plateau.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 8:39 am 06-Nov-2008: Very cold west or southwest airstream continues over southern and central New Zealand today but freezing level is rising slowly. WARNINGS NO LONGER IN FORCE: Heavy Snow Warning lifted for Southland, South Otago, Westland and Buller from the Paparoa Range northwards to the western ranges of Nelson and the Central North Island Plateau.
On the 4th, a strong disturbed north-westerly flow spread over New Zealand ahead of a deep trough moving in from the Tasman Sea, with several fronts. A low had formed west of Fiordland by the end of the day, bringing cold air to the far south. On the 5th and 6th, the system moved away to the south-east, and a strong westerly flow covered the North Island. Cold fronts brought cold south-westerlies to the South Island and cold air moving onto the North Island brought snow to the central high country there. On the 7th, a weak anticyclone moved into the south Tasman Sea, changing the flow over New Zealand to a lighter southerly, although it was still very cold.
From the night of the 4th till the 7th November.
Lightning
More than 100 lightning strikes were recorded in Wellington, Marlborough and the Wairarapa between 2pm and 3pm on the 7th.
North Island
Lightning
at
North Island
Clashes of warm and cold air sparked thunder and over 200 lightning strikes around eastern parts of central New Zealand on the afternoon of the 7th.
South Island
Snow / Ice
at
South Island
On the 6th roads were closed to towing vehicles from Arthur’s Pass to Otira (SH73), and from Reefton to Hanmer Springs (SH7).
High Wind / Gust
Gale force winds blasted some areas of the South Island on the 5th, with gusts of around 70 to 90kms in some areas.
Wellington
Lightning
at
Wellington
Wellington was hit by thunder and lightning after a sudden storm broke over the city on the afternoon of the 7th.
Lightning was believed to have tripped a power station and caused a flash power outage in the city. There was a brief outage at Transpower's Central Park substation soon after 2.30pm.
Hail
There was hail in the suburbs of Jonhsonville and Karori.
Hail also hit parts of Wairarapa
Hail stones in Wairarpa were the size of jaffas.
The storm was sparked by an unstable depression following on the heels of a weak southerly.
Hail covered the Wellington motorway on the afternoon of the 7th.
Hail
at
Johnsonville
There were reports of hailstones 1 cm across in the suburb of Johnsonville.
Multi Hazard
at
Ngauranga
A truck jack-knifed in the Ngauranga Gorge and traffic had to be diverted through a carpark at LV Martin and Son.
Flooding
at
Porirua
Surface flooding was reported between Tawa and Porirua on the 7th.
Marlborough
Multi Hazard
at
Blenheim
A spring storm in Blenheim delivered a hailstorm and burst of heavy rain to the town early on the afternoon of the 7th.
Tasman-Nelson
Snow / Ice
at
Tasman-Nelson
On the night of the 5th, parts of Nelson had snow in November for the first time since 1981.
Snow / Ice
at
Barnicoat Range
The Barnicoat Range and hills behind Nelson city were coated with snow down to about 400 metres.
Snow / Ice
at
Brooklyn
It snowed in the Brooklyn area near Motueka.
Snow / Ice
at
Nelson city
The temperature dropped five degrees in two hours as a bitterly cold front moved in at about 8pm on the 5th.
Temperatures plummeted to 2 degC.
Sleet in Nelson in November was a one-in-20-year event.
Snow / Ice
at
St Arnaud
The cold snap blanketed St Arnaud in snow on the night of the 5th.
About 15 cm of snow fell on a Lake Rotoiti farm overnight on the 5th. Most if it had melted away by lunch time the next day.
Snow / Ice
at
Stoke
A 2.4 degC frost was recorded in Stoke the morning of the 6th.
Rain froze on car roofs.
Snow / Ice
at
Takaka
It snowed on the Takaka Hills.
West Coast
Snow / Ice
at
West Coast
On the night of the 5th, the West Coast was hit by the coldest November weather outbreak in several decades. Strong, icy winds swept up the Coast, leaving unseasonal snow on the alpine passes.
The mercury plummeted overnight to zero.
It was snowing heavily at 8am on the 6th, which was unusual for November.
It was understood to have been one of the coldest outbreaks in 25 to 30 years.
The West Coast suffered a twelve-hour power outage on the night of the 5th when high winds blew a tree down onto power lines and insulators, causing considerable damage. The outage affected homes in the Hokitika and Westland areas.
Lightning
The West Coast was also hit with thunder and lightning overnight on the 5th.
Snow / Ice
at
Greymouth
Greymouth had a temperature of 2.1 degC overnight, getting up to 4.6 deg at 9am on the 6th.
Snow / Ice
at
Hokitika
Sleet fell at Hokitika.
In Hokitika, the temperature fell to just 2 degC overnight on the 5th. By 9am on the 6th it was 5 degC.
Snow / Ice
at
Ngahere
Sleet fell at Ngahere.
Snow / Ice
at
Reefton
Snow fell in Reefton.
Canterbury
Snow / Ice
at
Canterbury
Snow was falling in parts of Canterbury on the morning of the 7th.
Multi Hazard
at
Ashburton
Temperatures around town were recorded below three degrees on the 5th.
The official low at the Ashburton Domain was 3.9 degC, recorded at 9.40am on the 5th.
Hail
Ashburton received a healthy dose of hail mid afternoon on the 5th.
Tornado
at
Christchurch
A small tornado or severe wind squall tore through Queenspark Drive in Parklands just before 3pm on the 5th.
The tornado damaged fences and roofs and uprooted trees. About six properties in the area were damaged.
Snow / Ice
On the afternoon of the 5th, snow fell on the Port Hills above about 350 m. On the 6th, snow again fell on the Port Hills above about 300 m and there were flurries in some western suburbs.
A heavy frost overnight on the 5th brought the coldest November minimum ever recorded at Christchurch Airport.
Snow had not fallen in Christchurch in November since 1976.
Multi Hazard
at
Timaru
At 1pm on the 5th, it was still just 4 degC in Timaru with a wind chill of well below zero.
Otago
Snow / Ice
at
Otago
The unseasonable cold snap brought snow showers to low levels, wild winds and plunging temepratures to Otago on the 5th.
SH87 from Outram to Middlemarch was closed due to snow during the night of the 5th. It reopened at about 10.30am the next morning. SH1 between Dunedin and Waitati was also closed briefly during the night.
High Wind / Gust
A gale-force southerly squall ripped through the Upper Clutha at about lunchtime on the 5th.
Snow / Ice
at
Arrowtown
Arrowtown had a light snowfall on the 5th.
Snow / Ice
at
Arthurs Point
There was 60 mm (6 cm) of snow lying around an Arthurs Point house on the 5th.
Wakatipu weather forecaster David Crow said it was the first time he had seen snow so low in November during the 46 years he had lived in the district.
Snow / Ice
at
Cromwell
There was snow on the ground at Cromwell.
Snow / Ice
at
Dunedin
There was a light dusting of snow in the high hill suburbs on the 5th and on Dunedin roads on the morning of the 6th.
Snow / Ice
at
Gibbston
One graper-grower said that in the 27 years since he had been in the Gibbston Valley, he had never seen the snow as low or as heavy as it had been this week.
High Wind / Gust
at
Lake Hawea
A tree was brought down by high winds at Domain Road, in Lake Hawea, cutting electricity to the township for a few hours.
Snow / Ice
at
Lindis Pass
A truck driver was taken to Oamaru Hospital with moderate injuries after his truck carrying dangerous goods and chemicals rolled 10km south of the the Lindis Pass Summit on SH8 at about 3:15am on the 5th. The weather was believed to be responsible for the crash.
The truck crash closed the Lindis Pass to all traffic.
High Wind / Gust
at
Mount Barker
A huge poplar crashed into power lines at Mount Barker, near Wanaka, causing a power outage and cutting road access.
Fences were blown over and broken branches littered roads around the district.
Snow / Ice
at
Queenstown
Low cloud and snow meant operations at Queenstown Airport were limited all day, causing the cancellation of some flights and postponement of others. More than 400 passengers were affected.
Snow / Ice
at
Wanaka
The late spring storm brought snow overnight on the 4th to almost lake level around Wanaka and Hawea.
Multi Hazard
Intermittent snow, sleet, and hail showers alternated with patches of fine weather throughout the day on the 4th. Strong winds remained a constant presence.
Southland
Multi Hazard
at
Southland
The Antarctic blast brought snow, sleet, hail and plummeting temperatures to Southland on the 5th.
The Tour of Southland cycle race was hit by snow, hail, sleet and gusty winds, with a temperature at just 1 degC, in some of the worst conditions the race had seen in its 52 years. Two of the race stages were shortened as a result.
Snow / Ice
Temperatures across most of the region were kept below six degrees during the afternoon.
SH 94 from Lower Hollyford to Milford Sound was closed by snow overnight on the 4th. It was opened again the next morning.
Up to 30 cm of snow was dumped in Fiordland, 15 cm in inland Southland and 20 cm in the Catlins.
Snow in November was particularly unusual and probably a one in 20-year event.
Two Western Southland schools, St Patrick's and Takatimu Primary, closed for the day after Brazier Motors suspended its school bus service.
Snow / Ice
at
Invercargill
Snow fell right down to sea level in Invercargill on the 5th.
Up to 5 cm of snow was dumped in Invercargill.
High Wind / Gust
at
Orepuki
There were strong winds around Orepuki on the 5th, gusting between 75 km/hr and 80 km/hr.
Snow / Ice
at
Te Anau
Unseasonal snow to lake level confronted Te Anau people on the morning of the 5th.
Snow / Ice
at
Tuatapere
An Australian rider on the Tour of Southland was reportedly treated for hypothermia in Tuatapere.
References
- Headline: The big chill hits.
- www.ashburtonguardian.co.nz, 6 November 2008.
- Headline: (Almost) summer snow.
- www.greystar.co.nz, 6 November 2008.
- Meteorological Society of New Zealand (Inc.). (2008). Climate summary for spring 2008. Newsletter 115, December 2008. 12-22
- Headline: Chilly weather heading north.
- www.newstalkzb.co.nz, 5 November 2008, 2:40pm.
- Headline: Mini tornado whips through Christchurch.
- www.newstalkzb.co.nz, 5 November 2008, 5:16pm.
- Headline: Blenheim lashed by Spring storm.
- www.newstalkzb.co.nz, 7 November 2008, 2:44pm.
- Headline: Tornado downs trees and fences in Christchurch.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, Source: NZPA and Newstalk ZB, 5 November 2008, 5:43pm.
- Headline: Wintery blasts continue for central and top of South.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, 6 November 2008, 9:13am.
- Headline: Unstable weather sparks over 200 lightning strikes.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, Source: NZPA, 7 November 2008, 7:47pm.
- Headline: Lightning, hail, frost all in a spring day.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, 8 November 2008, 4:00am.
- Headline: Winds cut Wanaka power.
- www.odt.co.nz, 5 November, 4:17pm.
- Headline: 'Unprecedented' cold snap hits the South.
- www.odt.co.nz, 6 November, 5:00am.
- Headline: Roads reopen after snow closures.
- www.odt.co.nz, 6 November, 11:26am.
- Headline: Vineyards prepare for frosts.
- www.odt.co.nz, 7 November, 5:00am.
- Headline: SH8 closed by chemical spill.
- www.radio.nz.co.nz, 5 November 2008, 8:29am.
- Headline: Snow in Nelson.
- www.radio.nz.co.nz, 6 November 2008, 3:26pm.
- Headline: West Cost hit by power outage.
- www.stuff.co.nz, 6 November 2008.
- Headline: Capital hit by over 100 lightning strikes in hour.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Dominion Post and NZPA, 7 November 2008.
- Headline: Over 100 lightning strikes in hour.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Dominion Post, 7 November 2008, 3:32pm.
- Headline: Grapegrowers get ready to fight frost.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Marlborough Express, 7 November 2008.
- Headline: Growers dodge frost bullet for the moment.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Nelson Mail, 6 November 2008.
- Headline: Tornado in Christchurch suburb.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: The Press, 5 November 2008.
- Headline: Springtime snow for Canterbury.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: The Press, 7 November 2008.
- Headline: Cyclists battle snow on Tour of Southland.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: The Southland Times, 5 November 2008.
- Headline: Bitter blast hits south.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: The Southland Times, 6 November 2008.
- Headline: Spring snow strikes Tour of Southland.
- tvnz.co.nz, Source: NZPA, 5 November 2008.
- Headline: Caution urged on Sth Island roads.
- tvnz.co.nz, Source: ONE News and Newstalk ZB, 5 November 2008, 8:48pm.
- MetService Email Lists
November 2008 South Island Cold Snap
(
2008-11-04
)
20-30 years
An Antarctic blast brought unseasonable snow, hail and high winds to the South Island and hail and lightning occurred in Wellington.
New Zealand
Multi Hazard
at
New Zealand
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 11:21 am 03-Nov-2008: Heavy rain for Westland on Tuesday and severe northwest gales North Canterbury to Wairarapa. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: Westland; and STRONG WIND WARNING for: North Canterbury, eastern Marlborough and the Sounds, Wellington and Wairarapa.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 8:36 pm 03-Nov-2008: Heavy rain for Westland on Tuesday and severe northwest gales from North Canterbury to Wairarapa. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: ranges of Westland; and STRONG WIND WARNING for: North Canterbury, eastern Marlborough and the Sounds, Wellington and Wairarapa.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 9:11 am 04-Nov-2008: Heavy rain for Westland, severe northwest gales from North Canterbury to Wairarapa and heavy snow for Fiordland, Southland and Otago. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: Westland; STRONG WIND WARNING for: North Canterbury, eastern Marlborough and the Sounds, Wellington and Wairarapa; and HEAVY SNOW WARNING for: Fiordland, Southland and Otago.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 8:44 pm 04-Nov-2008: Heavy rain for Westland easing Tuesday night, severe northwest gales from North Canterbury to Wairarapa and heavy snow expected for Fiordland, Southland and Otago. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: ranges of Westland; STRONG WIND WARNING for: North Canterbury, eastern Marlborough and the Sounds, Wellington and Wairarapa; and HEAVY SNOW WARNING for: Fiordland, Southland and Otago.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 9:27 am 05-Nov-2008: Heavy snow for Fiordland, Southland and Otago today, and severe northwest gales from the Marlborough Sounds to Wairarapa until midday today. Includes HEAVY SNOW WARNING for: Fiordland, Southland and eastern Otago; and STRONG WIND WARNING for: the Marlborough Sounds, Wellington and Wairarapa. WARNINGS NO LONGER IN FORCE: Heavy Rain Warning lifted for ranges of Westland.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 3:29 pm 05-Nov-2008: Heavy snow for Fiordland, Southland, Otago today, Westland, Buller and Nelson this evening and for the Central North Island high country tonight. Northwest gales in Wairarapa easing later this afternoon. Includes HEAVY SNOW WARNING for: Southland, South Otago, Westland and Buller from the Paparoa Range northwards to the western ranges of Nelson and the Central North Island Plateau; and STRONG WIND WARNING for: Summit of the Rimutaka Road and northern Wairarapa. WARNINGS NO LONGER IN FORCE: Strong Wind Warning lifted for Marlborough Sounds and Wellington.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 6:19 pm 05-Nov-2008: Unseasonable heavy snow for South Island hills and North Island’s Central Plateau. Northwest gales in Wairarapa easing later this afternoon. Includes HEAVY SNOW WARNING for: Southland, South Otago, Westland and Buller from the Paparoa Range northwards to the western ranges of Nelson and the Central North Island Plateau. WARNINGS NO LONGER IN FORCE: Strong Wind Warning lifted for Summit of the Rimutaka Road and northern Wairarapa.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 8:48 pm 05-Nov-2008: Unseasonable heavy snow for the South Island hills and North Island’s Central Plateau. Includes HEAVY SNOW WARNING for: Southland, South Otago, Westland and Buller from the Paparoa Range northwards to the western ranges of Nelson and the Central North Island Plateau.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 8:39 am 06-Nov-2008: Very cold west or southwest airstream continues over southern and central New Zealand today but freezing level is rising slowly. WARNINGS NO LONGER IN FORCE: Heavy Snow Warning lifted for Southland, South Otago, Westland and Buller from the Paparoa Range northwards to the western ranges of Nelson and the Central North Island Plateau.
On the 4th, a strong disturbed north-westerly flow spread over New Zealand ahead of a deep trough moving in from the Tasman Sea, with several fronts. A low had formed west of Fiordland by the end of the day, bringing cold air to the far south. On the 5th and 6th, the system moved away to the south-east, and a strong westerly flow covered the North Island. Cold fronts brought cold south-westerlies to the South Island and cold air moving onto the North Island brought snow to the central high country there. On the 7th, a weak anticyclone moved into the south Tasman Sea, changing the flow over New Zealand to a lighter southerly, although it was still very cold.
From the night of the 4th till the 7th November.
Lightning
More than 100 lightning strikes were recorded in Wellington, Marlborough and the Wairarapa between 2pm and 3pm on the 7th.
North Island
Lightning
at
North Island
Clashes of warm and cold air sparked thunder and over 200 lightning strikes around eastern parts of central New Zealand on the afternoon of the 7th.
South Island
Snow / Ice
at
South Island
On the 6th roads were closed to towing vehicles from Arthur’s Pass to Otira (SH73), and from Reefton to Hanmer Springs (SH7).
High Wind / Gust
Gale force winds blasted some areas of the South Island on the 5th, with gusts of around 70 to 90kms in some areas.
Wellington
Lightning
at
Wellington
Wellington was hit by thunder and lightning after a sudden storm broke over the city on the afternoon of the 7th.
Lightning was believed to have tripped a power station and caused a flash power outage in the city. There was a brief outage at Transpower's Central Park substation soon after 2.30pm.
Hail
There was hail in the suburbs of Jonhsonville and Karori.
Hail also hit parts of Wairarapa
Hail stones in Wairarpa were the size of jaffas.
The storm was sparked by an unstable depression following on the heels of a weak southerly.
Hail covered the Wellington motorway on the afternoon of the 7th.
Hail
at
Johnsonville
There were reports of hailstones 1 cm across in the suburb of Johnsonville.
Multi Hazard
at
Ngauranga
A truck jack-knifed in the Ngauranga Gorge and traffic had to be diverted through a carpark at LV Martin and Son.
Flooding
at
Porirua
Surface flooding was reported between Tawa and Porirua on the 7th.
Marlborough
Multi Hazard
at
Blenheim
A spring storm in Blenheim delivered a hailstorm and burst of heavy rain to the town early on the afternoon of the 7th.
Tasman-Nelson
Snow / Ice
at
Tasman-Nelson
On the night of the 5th, parts of Nelson had snow in November for the first time since 1981.
Snow / Ice
at
Barnicoat Range
The Barnicoat Range and hills behind Nelson city were coated with snow down to about 400 metres.
Snow / Ice
at
Brooklyn
It snowed in the Brooklyn area near Motueka.
Snow / Ice
at
Nelson city
The temperature dropped five degrees in two hours as a bitterly cold front moved in at about 8pm on the 5th.
Temperatures plummeted to 2 degC.
Sleet in Nelson in November was a one-in-20-year event.
Snow / Ice
at
St Arnaud
The cold snap blanketed St Arnaud in snow on the night of the 5th.
About 15 cm of snow fell on a Lake Rotoiti farm overnight on the 5th. Most if it had melted away by lunch time the next day.
Snow / Ice
at
Stoke
A 2.4 degC frost was recorded in Stoke the morning of the 6th.
Rain froze on car roofs.
Snow / Ice
at
Takaka
It snowed on the Takaka Hills.
West Coast
Snow / Ice
at
West Coast
On the night of the 5th, the West Coast was hit by the coldest November weather outbreak in several decades. Strong, icy winds swept up the Coast, leaving unseasonal snow on the alpine passes.
The mercury plummeted overnight to zero.
It was snowing heavily at 8am on the 6th, which was unusual for November.
It was understood to have been one of the coldest outbreaks in 25 to 30 years.
The West Coast suffered a twelve-hour power outage on the night of the 5th when high winds blew a tree down onto power lines and insulators, causing considerable damage. The outage affected homes in the Hokitika and Westland areas.
Lightning
The West Coast was also hit with thunder and lightning overnight on the 5th.
Snow / Ice
at
Greymouth
Greymouth had a temperature of 2.1 degC overnight, getting up to 4.6 deg at 9am on the 6th.
Snow / Ice
at
Hokitika
Sleet fell at Hokitika.
In Hokitika, the temperature fell to just 2 degC overnight on the 5th. By 9am on the 6th it was 5 degC.
Snow / Ice
at
Ngahere
Sleet fell at Ngahere.
Snow / Ice
at
Reefton
Snow fell in Reefton.
Canterbury
Snow / Ice
at
Canterbury
Snow was falling in parts of Canterbury on the morning of the 7th.
Multi Hazard
at
Ashburton
Temperatures around town were recorded below three degrees on the 5th.
The official low at the Ashburton Domain was 3.9 degC, recorded at 9.40am on the 5th.
Hail
Ashburton received a healthy dose of hail mid afternoon on the 5th.
Tornado
at
Christchurch
A small tornado or severe wind squall tore through Queenspark Drive in Parklands just before 3pm on the 5th.
The tornado damaged fences and roofs and uprooted trees. About six properties in the area were damaged.
Snow / Ice
On the afternoon of the 5th, snow fell on the Port Hills above about 350 m. On the 6th, snow again fell on the Port Hills above about 300 m and there were flurries in some western suburbs.
A heavy frost overnight on the 5th brought the coldest November minimum ever recorded at Christchurch Airport.
Snow had not fallen in Christchurch in November since 1976.
Multi Hazard
at
Timaru
At 1pm on the 5th, it was still just 4 degC in Timaru with a wind chill of well below zero.
Otago
Snow / Ice
at
Otago
The unseasonable cold snap brought snow showers to low levels, wild winds and plunging temepratures to Otago on the 5th.
SH87 from Outram to Middlemarch was closed due to snow during the night of the 5th. It reopened at about 10.30am the next morning. SH1 between Dunedin and Waitati was also closed briefly during the night.
High Wind / Gust
A gale-force southerly squall ripped through the Upper Clutha at about lunchtime on the 5th.
Snow / Ice
at
Arrowtown
Arrowtown had a light snowfall on the 5th.
Snow / Ice
at
Arthurs Point
There was 60 mm (6 cm) of snow lying around an Arthurs Point house on the 5th.
Wakatipu weather forecaster David Crow said it was the first time he had seen snow so low in November during the 46 years he had lived in the district.
Snow / Ice
at
Cromwell
There was snow on the ground at Cromwell.
Snow / Ice
at
Dunedin
There was a light dusting of snow in the high hill suburbs on the 5th and on Dunedin roads on the morning of the 6th.
Snow / Ice
at
Gibbston
One graper-grower said that in the 27 years since he had been in the Gibbston Valley, he had never seen the snow as low or as heavy as it had been this week.
High Wind / Gust
at
Lake Hawea
A tree was brought down by high winds at Domain Road, in Lake Hawea, cutting electricity to the township for a few hours.
Snow / Ice
at
Lindis Pass
A truck driver was taken to Oamaru Hospital with moderate injuries after his truck carrying dangerous goods and chemicals rolled 10km south of the the Lindis Pass Summit on SH8 at about 3:15am on the 5th. The weather was believed to be responsible for the crash.
The truck crash closed the Lindis Pass to all traffic.
High Wind / Gust
at
Mount Barker
A huge poplar crashed into power lines at Mount Barker, near Wanaka, causing a power outage and cutting road access.
Fences were blown over and broken branches littered roads around the district.
Snow / Ice
at
Queenstown
Low cloud and snow meant operations at Queenstown Airport were limited all day, causing the cancellation of some flights and postponement of others. More than 400 passengers were affected.
Snow / Ice
at
Wanaka
The late spring storm brought snow overnight on the 4th to almost lake level around Wanaka and Hawea.
Multi Hazard
Intermittent snow, sleet, and hail showers alternated with patches of fine weather throughout the day on the 4th. Strong winds remained a constant presence.
Southland
Multi Hazard
at
Southland
The Antarctic blast brought snow, sleet, hail and plummeting temperatures to Southland on the 5th.
The Tour of Southland cycle race was hit by snow, hail, sleet and gusty winds, with a temperature at just 1 degC, in some of the worst conditions the race had seen in its 52 years. Two of the race stages were shortened as a result.
Snow / Ice
Temperatures across most of the region were kept below six degrees during the afternoon.
SH 94 from Lower Hollyford to Milford Sound was closed by snow overnight on the 4th. It was opened again the next morning.
Up to 30 cm of snow was dumped in Fiordland, 15 cm in inland Southland and 20 cm in the Catlins.
Snow in November was particularly unusual and probably a one in 20-year event.
Two Western Southland schools, St Patrick's and Takatimu Primary, closed for the day after Brazier Motors suspended its school bus service.
Snow / Ice
at
Invercargill
Snow fell right down to sea level in Invercargill on the 5th.
Up to 5 cm of snow was dumped in Invercargill.
High Wind / Gust
at
Orepuki
There were strong winds around Orepuki on the 5th, gusting between 75 km/hr and 80 km/hr.
Snow / Ice
at
Te Anau
Unseasonal snow to lake level confronted Te Anau people on the morning of the 5th.
Snow / Ice
at
Tuatapere
An Australian rider on the Tour of Southland was reportedly treated for hypothermia in Tuatapere.
References
- Headline: The big chill hits.
- www.ashburtonguardian.co.nz, 6 November 2008.
- Headline: (Almost) summer snow.
- www.greystar.co.nz, 6 November 2008.
- Meteorological Society of New Zealand (Inc.). (2008). Climate summary for spring 2008. Newsletter 115, December 2008. 12-22
- Headline: Chilly weather heading north.
- www.newstalkzb.co.nz, 5 November 2008, 2:40pm.
- Headline: Mini tornado whips through Christchurch.
- www.newstalkzb.co.nz, 5 November 2008, 5:16pm.
- Headline: Blenheim lashed by Spring storm.
- www.newstalkzb.co.nz, 7 November 2008, 2:44pm.
- Headline: Tornado downs trees and fences in Christchurch.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, Source: NZPA and Newstalk ZB, 5 November 2008, 5:43pm.
- Headline: Wintery blasts continue for central and top of South.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, 6 November 2008, 9:13am.
- Headline: Unstable weather sparks over 200 lightning strikes.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, Source: NZPA, 7 November 2008, 7:47pm.
- Headline: Lightning, hail, frost all in a spring day.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, 8 November 2008, 4:00am.
- Headline: Winds cut Wanaka power.
- www.odt.co.nz, 5 November, 4:17pm.
- Headline: 'Unprecedented' cold snap hits the South.
- www.odt.co.nz, 6 November, 5:00am.
- Headline: Roads reopen after snow closures.
- www.odt.co.nz, 6 November, 11:26am.
- Headline: Vineyards prepare for frosts.
- www.odt.co.nz, 7 November, 5:00am.
- Headline: SH8 closed by chemical spill.
- www.radio.nz.co.nz, 5 November 2008, 8:29am.
- Headline: Snow in Nelson.
- www.radio.nz.co.nz, 6 November 2008, 3:26pm.
- Headline: West Cost hit by power outage.
- www.stuff.co.nz, 6 November 2008.
- Headline: Capital hit by over 100 lightning strikes in hour.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Dominion Post and NZPA, 7 November 2008.
- Headline: Over 100 lightning strikes in hour.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Dominion Post, 7 November 2008, 3:32pm.
- Headline: Grapegrowers get ready to fight frost.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Marlborough Express, 7 November 2008.
- Headline: Growers dodge frost bullet for the moment.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Nelson Mail, 6 November 2008.
- Headline: Tornado in Christchurch suburb.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: The Press, 5 November 2008.
- Headline: Springtime snow for Canterbury.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: The Press, 7 November 2008.
- Headline: Cyclists battle snow on Tour of Southland.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: The Southland Times, 5 November 2008.
- Headline: Bitter blast hits south.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: The Southland Times, 6 November 2008.
- Headline: Spring snow strikes Tour of Southland.
- tvnz.co.nz, Source: NZPA, 5 November 2008.
- Headline: Caution urged on Sth Island roads.
- tvnz.co.nz, Source: ONE News and Newstalk ZB, 5 November 2008, 8:48pm.
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