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

SYDNEY: An Antarctic polar blast swept across parts of New Zealand's South Island on Tuesday (Aug 4), bringing snow to sea level and icy temperatures that forced road closures and disrupted schools.Snow blanketed Dunedin, the South Island's second-largest city, prompting police to urge residents to avoid travel unless

SYDNEY, Aug 4 (Reuters) - An Antarctic polar blast swept across parts of New Zealand’s South Island on Tuesday, bringing snow to sea level and icy temperatures that forced road closures and disrupted schools.

Snow blanketed Dunedin, prompting police to urge residents to avoid travel.

Snow could fall to low levels in the east before clear skies bring widespread frosts and temperatures up to 10C below average.

Meanwhile, all ferry sailings in the Cook Strait for Tuesday have been cancelled due to forecast large swells.