‘Intense low’ forecast for Otago

After a stream of fine days this week, MetService is warning that an "intense low" will bring bad weather, including snow to parts of the South Island from this weekend, and severe gales and rain for Dunedin.

Dunedin was likely to experience afternoon winds rising to gales on Tuesday  night.

Significant snowfall was forecast to affect the Milford Road on Sunday, the MetService said. In the 12 hours from 9am to 9pm, 15cm to 25cm of snow may accumulate on the road near the tunnel, with lesser amounts to 600 metres. 

The NZ Transport Agency advised that the Milford Road (State Highway 94 Hollyford Valley Road Intersection to Chasm Stream Bridge) would close at 4.30pm today due to "heavy snow" .

Snow showers were expected on the Crown Range Road and the Lindis Pass tomorrow.

MetService communications meteorologist Lisa Murray said the "fast moving low" would bring significant weather, including "widespread severe gales and heavy rain" and snow for southern ranges.

"After having such mild weather in recent weeks, people will really feel the drop in temperatures", she said.

This was expected to be a "significant weather event".

The weather could result in "significant disruptions to travel" and could damage infrastructure such as power lines and roads in the worst-affected areas.

Those with newly shorn sheep or anyone contemplating shearing should be aware of approaching weather, to protect their stock.

"Anyone planning to go tramping or camping should check the weather forecast and associated warnings carefully as some places will have a combination of severe gales, heavy rain and snow," she said.

The Mountain Safety Council was advising people to prepare for winter-like conditions and consider postponing trips if necessary.

On Wednesday the low is expected to move away to the southeast.

john.gibb@odt.co.nz