New Zealand Spring Storm: Snows to Beaches, Closed Roads, Cancelled Flights

A severe weather storm in battered New Zealand brings heavy snow and rain and gale-force winds, closing roads, canceling several flights, and snowing on beaches and dipping the temperatures over the weekend.

The Met calls the storm "the worst of the season" and is caused by low-pressure system hittings across the country from Antarctica. The system I considered a significant weather event as it is widespread and an extreme weather event, the Met service said.

Snow on Beaches

Temperatures in South Island could dip as low as -20 C on Monday and Tuesday.

Snow is also expected to fall on beaches of Southland, Otago, and Fiordland in the next two days.

Wanaka, Dunedin, and Te Anau also experienced flurries.

Meanwhile, snow also feels on Oban Beach, Stewart Island.

Southland and Fiordland also experienced severe weather.

Multiple Weather Warnings

In South Island, authorities issued multiple weather warnings and watches.

The city of Wellington had gale force northwesterly winds with wind gusts reaching to 120 km/ph, and weather experts predict that Napier

on the east coast of the North Island may also experience gale force.

Meanwhile, flights were canceled at Queensland Airport due to snowfall. A Twitter post from Queensland airport posted on Sept 28, 2020, 7:22 AM indicated that the Airport Operations had cleared snow in the runway, paths, roads, and car park.

Team.

Morning flights of Invercargill Airport were also affected.

Motorists are warned of black ice advisory on State Highway 8 and State Highway 20 in the Mackenzie County. Black ice is particularly dangerous to motorists because it is the type of ice you cannot see. It is transparent, and the road surface is visible. Authorities advise motorists to stay calm and hold the wheel straight up until regaining traction when black ice is encountered.

Unusual Storm and Warmest Winter

According to Met service, the Storm is highly unusual as it is quite severe for the spring period. This particular winter is recorded as the warmest on record in New Zealand.

Official climate data indicates that New Zealand had its warmest winter since 100 years ago and is 1.14 C above average.

Higher winter temperatures caused the ski tourism industry to struggle as it significantly impacted the skiing areas.

READ ALSO: Polar Bears Drop Their GPS Tracking Collars, but Can Still Be Used To Track Drifting Ice

Climate Change Legislation

New Zealand passed a landmark climate change legislation. The legislation commits the nation to reduce its carbon emissions to zero by 2050 and comply with its commitment to the Paris climate accords.

The bill also committed New Zealand to maintain global warming below 1.5 C by developing a blueprint for the country to adapt and guidelines in preparing for an emergency.

The bill will legislate a new 2050 greenhouse gas reduction target into law and require government offices to develop plans to meet the target. A climate change commission will be created and allocate budget for adaptation and mitigation.

READ NEXT: Climate Change Causes Ice Larger than Paris to Break Off from Greenland Glacier and Shatter

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