Snow is sprinkling across parts of the South Island today as the island continues to be hit by wild weather.
A heavy snow watch has been issued for central Otago and Queenstown Lakes about and south of a line from Wanaka to Ranfurly until 7pm Friday. Snow is expected above 400 metres in these areas and may approach the warning criteria above 600 metres.
Meanwhile, in other parts of the South Island, heavy rain and flooding is causing havoc. Click here to read more.
Waka Kotahi has urged people to avoid travelling through Southland and central Otago on Friday due to flooding and snowfalls closing roads and making driving conditions hazardous.
"The main focus of concern around snow has shifted slightly to the south with the Lindis Pass (SH8 between Tarras and Omarama, including the Mackenzie Basin) catching a dumping of snow currently. The Lindis is closed to towing vehicles currently," Waka Kotahi said.
"The snow is likely to dump along SH73 around Porters Pass this afternoon above 400 metres but may not get as far north as the Lewis Pass/ Hanmer area. SH80 into Mt Cook has just closed due to heavy snow."
MetService's road snowfall warnings:
Area: Arthur's Pass (SH73)
Period: 8hrs from 3pm - 11pm Fri, 22 Sep
Forecast: Snow is expected to lower this (Friday) afternoon and evening. 10 to 15 cm of snow may accumulate near the summit from mid-afternoon until tonight, with lesser amounts at lower elevations, especially to the east of the summit.
Area: Porters Pass (SH73)
Period: 11hrs from noon - 11pm Fri, 22 Sep
Forecast: The snow level is expected to lower by early afternoon. Between about midday and tonight (Friday), 15 to 25 cm of snow may accumulate near the summit, with lesser amounts at lower elevations.
Area: Haast Pass (SH6)
Period: 8hrs from 11am - 7pm Fri, 22 Sep
Forecast: Expect 4 to 8 cm of snow to settle on the road above 400 metres, mainly about and east of the summit.
Area: Lindis Pass (SH8)
Period: 8hrs from 11am - 7pm Fri, 22 Sep
Forecast: Expect 10 to 20 cm of snow to accumulate above 600 metres, with lesser amounts down to 400 metres.
Area: Crown Range Road
Period: 5hrs from 11am - 4pm Fri, 22 Sep
Forecast: Expect 3 to 5 cm of snow to accumulate above about 800 metres, with lesser amounts down to 600 metres.
