Those living in exposed areas of Otago and Southland are being urged to be vigilant over the next few days as severe and "damaging" gales are forecast for the South.
Road snow warnings have also been issued for some key southern roads, including up to 15cm on Southland's Milford Road (State Highway 94) from Friday morning.
A MetService spokesman said a strong west-to-southwest flow would affect the country and a strong wind watch had been issued.
The gales were expected to blast Dunedin, Clutha southern Fiordland, and Southland (including Stewart Island) between 2pm tomorrow and 2pm on Saturday.
The strongest winds were expected during Saturday morning, and there was a high chance the watch would be upgraded to a warning.
The spokesman said the gales could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures, and driving may be difficult - especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.
He urged residents to prepare their properties by securing items that could be picked up by strong winds, and to drive cautiously.
In an update today, MetService issued road snow warnings for the Lindis Pass (SH8), the Crown Range Road and the Milford Road.
Road snow warnings
Lindis Pass (SH8)
Valid: 9 hours from 1pm to 10pm on Friday
Forecast: Snow showers expected to affect the road from the afternoon until night. Up to 2cm may accumulate on the road above 700 metres during this period.
Crown Range Road
Valid: 11 hours from 10am to 9pm on Friday
Forecast: Snow showers set to affect the road from late in the morning until night. 1 to 2cm may accumulate on the road above 700 metres during this period.
Milford Road (SH94)
Valid: 18 hours from 6am on Friday until noon on Saturday
Forecast: Snow expected to affect the road from the morning. Some 10 to 15cm of snow may settle on the road above 800 metres, with less down to 600 metres by midnight on Friday.
