Snow falling in the South (+ video)

Heavy snow is falling in parts of the South as a polar blast slowly makes its way up the country.

Motorists are being advised to take extra care on State Highway 87 from Outram to Middlemarch and State Highway 8 between Tarras and Omarama due to snow, along with State Highway 96 from Nightcap to Ohai.

State Highway 94 from Milford Sound to Te Anau remains closed due to forecast snow and avalanche hazards arising from stormy conditions.  

"Polar air is today mixing with the big westerly flow and is slowly heading northwards, although may not really impact northern New Zealand very much - and [that] is why we're seeing parts of Southland and Otago shivering under truly wintry weather while many other regions again feel like it's spring thanks to the gales," said Weatherwatch analyst Phil Duncan.

 

Powerful gusts of wind are slamming parts of the country, clocking 130kmh in some places.

"Howling" gales are being reported in Auckland at speeds of 70kmh to 90kmh and "hurricane force" winds are smashing parts of the lower North Island.

As of 12.15pm gusts over 130kmh were affecting exposed parts of coastal Wairarapa while the wind speed in Wellington was reaching 100kmh and 115kmh in Masterton.

The wild weather is expected to continue for much of this week.

As the school holidays draw to a close holidaymakers are being warned to take care on the roads over the next 24 hours with severe weather warnings in place for much of the country.

Overnight, a front swept from the upper South Island across the North Island, bringing heavy rain and westerly winds.

In some places, including Auckland city, dowpours saw up to 20mm of rain fall in two hours.

One of the worst-hit areas was the Kapiti Coast, with heavy rain and a high tides hammering coastal areas, said meteorologist April Clark from Metservice.

"Those driving around those areas really need to take care and keep in mind there will be some big waves around the Kapiti Coast, which is not the norm."

Severe gale force winds were expected to hit and stay around much of the North Island overnight, and continuing to the Chatham Islands today.

The heaviest rain was expected in the west and north of the South Island last night, and continuing today. About the Westland ranges, rainfall could reach 280mm. The Tararua Range has now been added to this warning.

Motorists driving today have been warned to take care or avoid travel as gale force winds could pull down trees and damage powerlines and lift unsecured structures.

People near rivers and streams were advised to use caution as the heavy rain will cause them to rise rapidly and may cause slips and surface flooding.

North to northwest winds were expected to strengthen, with gusts of 120 km/h possible in many locations.

Gusts may reach 140kmh around Fiordland, Wellington, Wairarapa and the Marlborough Sounds. The same warning was in place for areas in the north of the North Island.

Heavy swells and large waves were expected to affect western coasts today with coastal erosion in vulnerable areas making driving conditions hazardous about low-lying coastal roads.

Rain was expected to continue throughout the week, ranging from showers, to heavy falls in some places.

Snow was expected down to 500m in the deep south on Monday.

"Basically it is not going to be a very nice week at all. It will be very unsettled," Clark said.

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