Widespread black ice has caused a number of crashes in the deep south as a wintry storm works its way up the country.

Snowfalls had closed a number of highways in Southland and Otago, with the regions expected to bear the brunt of the freezing weather.

The Catlins, Fiordland and parts of Southland are being dusted with snow – with the wintry weather making the Milford Road precarious.

Police warned black ice had caused accidents in Southland, with light snow also falling in parts of the region.

They advised motorists to avoid all unnecessary travel on Southland roads.

Roads with active warnings:

• Snow was expected over the Lindis Pass, Arthur’s Pass, and Lewis Pass.
• State Highway 6 over Haast Pass was already closed due to snowfall.
• Snow and a high avalanche hazard had closed State Highway 94 between Te Anau and Milford Sound.
• State Highway 93 between Mataura and Clinton was closed due to snow.
• Extreme caution was urged over State Highway 79 between Geraldine and Fairlie.

Check out the NZTA website if you are planning on traveling on any of these roads throughout the day.

– NZTA/Stuff/NewstalkZB/Metservice