Civil Defence and the council are meeting tonight to decide whether to ban businesses from opening.

Southland has been among the worst-hit from stormy weather nationwide, which has caused road closures and power outages since Friday. Snow flurries have eased but more are expected overnight and tomorrow.

“It is recommended that business owners consider the risks of getting and having staff at work tomorrow and, at the least, delay opening or start times to later in the morning,” Civil Defence controller Neil Cruickshank said.

Schools should “err on the side of caution” before opening, he said.

Many Invercargill businesses remained closed today, after several roofs collapsed and others show signs of stress from the heavy snow.

The doors are closed at most businesses including H & J Smith’s flagship department store. Some that opened today have had to close early including Harvey Norman, Mitre Ten Mega, Briscoes, E. Hayes and Sons, Waikiwi Countdown and the inner city Countdown supermarkets.

A thick blanket of snow still covers the city and is making driving conditions treacherous.
 

Image: Snow Invercargill, Stuart Malcolm