Snowed under in Spring

We have been commenting how cold it is during the weekend. I said," It's like winter." I wasn't too wrong. Not too far from where we went for our caving trip, this is what happened.

The New Zealand Herald reports this morning.

" Seventy-five people are still trapped on the Taupo side of the Napier-Taupo Highway after their vehicles became trapped in heavy snow.

A state of emergency has been declared on State Highway 5 due to snow and ice at Waipunga, about half-way between Napier and Taupo.

Police and the Taupo four wheel drive club have taken more than 200 people to the Rangitaiki Tavern, from where they were bused to the Taupo Events Centre. Others have been taken by Army Unimogs to buses at a safe point on the road and then transported to Hukarere Girls College in Eskdale, Napier. The Red Cross and the Salvation Army were on hand to make sure the evacuees were warm and were fed.

The Hastings District Council says the heavy snowfall which has downed powerlines near the summit is making access to the trapped motorists difficult. Extra machinery, including snow-ploughs, have been despatched to the road to assist with the rescue effort. No serious casualties have been reported.

Hastings Civil Defence controller Mike Maguire says anyone still in their vehicle needs to stay there and keep as warm as possible by turning on their vehicles for heat. If they see or hear any army vehicles approaching, they should flash their lights so that they can be seen.

If anyone is concerned about someone travelling on the stretch of road they should call the welfare centre in Taupo on 0274 579 686.

Power may be out to residents in the area for the next 24 hours.

This photo was taken in the ski fields in winter.