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The heavy snow watch has been extended to Dunedin tonight as much of the south braces for a couple of days of bad weather.
MetService is forecasting snow up to 200m in Dunedin, Clutha and Central Otago south of Alexandra on Monday morning, then near sea level on Monday afternoon.
Southland is expected to suffer the brunt of the system on Monday, where a heavy snow warning was issued.
Up to 10 cm could fall in a 6 hour period above 300 m and 15 to 25 cm during the next 24 hours.
The widespread storms experienced across much of the country over the weekend “remain a significant meteorological event” and are expected to be haunted by a series of cold fronts that will travel across the country over the next two days, MetService says.
Forecasters have issued a series of heavy snow alerts and road snow warnings.
MetService meteorologist Mmathatelo Makgabutlane previously said cold conditions will affect farmers.
“We expect the snow to reach at least 300 meters overnight and then possibly reach sea level tomorrow morning.”
Snow coupled with strong cold winds from the southwest will make conditions particularly harsh, forecasters say.
Many high roads and passes through the South Island could receive heavy snowfall, disrupting traffic. In particular, snow is expected on the Crown Range Highway, the Lindis, Lewis, Haast and Arthur Passes, and the Dunedin to Waitati Expressway for Sunday night and Monday.
About 20 inches of snow is expected on Milford Road through Sunday and Monday, possibly down to sea level.
Those traveling should keep up to date with forecasts and warnings for the areas they are traveling in, as the storm develops, says MetService.
– Additional information RNZ
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