There has been a dumping of heavy snow in New Zealand's south after an icy cool blast overnight.
Meteorologists warned on Wednesday that Kiwis in Southland should expect a burst of chilly air with snow falling to the lowest levels so far this winter. Metservice also placed a heavy snow watch in place for the region.
On Thursday morning, the forecaster said snow was down to 200m in Southland with gusts around 90kmph in Invercargill.
"A strong, cold southwesterly flow over New Zealand is bringing snow down to low levels in the Deep South."
Metservice also posted on Twitter an image of a snow-covered Crown Range Rd, which was earlier closed, according to the local council.
"Our contractors are currently on-site and working hard to make things as clear and safe as possible ahead of its reopening, so please do be patient," the Queenstown Lakes District Council posted on Thursday morning.
The council later said it was open, before providing another update saying that due to more heavy snow "chains must be fitted".
"Heed the directions given by our contractors and drive with care".
The council said that higher parts of Fernhill were earlier getting coated while flurries were "spotted at lower altitudes across the Wakatipu Basin".
"As for everywhere else, our contractor has summed things up in nicely blunt fashion: 'If it's raining where you are, the roads will be wet, if not they will be dry.' Need I say more?"
According to Weatherwatch, Southland and Otago can expect to have highs between 5C and 8C.
"Showers, heavy at times in the morning with hail then easing from afternoon. Snow to 300 or maybe 200m at times. Long dry spells from midday about Central Otago with sun at times. Gusty cold west to southwest winds."
Meanwhile, Metservice also has a strong wind warning in place for the Hawke's Bay south of Napier and the Tararua District.
"Severe gale westerlies gusting 120 km/h in exposed places. Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures. Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles."
Further north, Northland, Auckland and the Bay of Plenty should expect cloud on Thursday with highs ranging between 15C and 17C.
"The Bay Of Plenty is mainly dry with longer sunny spells, perhaps the risk of a shower from afternoon spreading from the west. Breezy to brisk west to southwesterly winds."
