The Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) said about 10am today rain and snow fell across the district, and reminded road users to watch for surface flooding and increase following distances.
"Get those headlights on, be seen, be safe."
The MetService Crown Range webcam showed a decent dusting of snow, and the QLDC said chains now had to be carried by motorists using the road.
Snow was also visible on the Lindis Pass (State Highway 8) about 10.40am.
MetService meteorologist Devlin Lynden earlier said a frontal system would bring strong and cold southwesterlies to Southland tonight, which would make their way up the South Island, likely delivering snow to low levels in Southland, South Otago and Central Otago.
He said it was expected to continue through tomorrow until early on Friday.
While it may also snow in Dunedin, it was not expected to settle and would not affect the city or the rest of coastal Otago. It briefly hailed in the city this afternoon.
"It will mainly affect those slightly more elevated areas around 200m in Southland and the Clutha area.
"Any snow or icy conditions have the potential to cause hazardous driving, so people out and about on the highways or more rural roads should take it easy and drive to the conditions."
Milford Road closed
MetService has issued snow alerts and warnings for South Island mountain highways and alpine passes.
Some of the largest snowfalls were expected on the Milford Road (SH94), and the route was closed by NZ Transport Agency/Waka Kotahi (NZTA) last night in anticipation of the snow.
The forecast was for about 10cm-20cm to accumulate today near the Homer Tunnel entrance and 2cm-5cm at Knobs Flat from around dawn.
The road reopened briefly this morning before being closed again about 10.45am, owing to heavy snowfall. It reopened during the day but closed again from East Gate (Hollyford) to Donne River (Westgate) at 5pm.
"More snow is expected overnight and through tomorrow. Reopening is likely Thursday approximately 10am after initial clearing. Delays are possible with ongoing snow ploughing and any convoys that may be required."
Snow was now forecast every day through to Sunday and further overnight closures should be expected, including on Thursday night.
Meanwhile, the Crown Range Road, Haast Pass (SH6) and the Lindis Pass (SH8) were also forecast to get snow to a lesser degree, Mr Lynden said.
In addition to the snow, thunderstorms may also impact the South Island from tomorrow, while strong wind gusts and rain were also on the cards.
Mr Lynden said ice may also be an issue on some highways later this week after the snow and rain had moved through.
An NZTA spokesman said the organisation’s contractors would be monitoring the situation and working to keep the highways clear, or close roads for people’s safety, if necessary.
Road snowfall warnings
Crown Range Road, for nine hours from 10am to 7pm on Wednesday.
Forecast: Snow showers are expected to affect the road till evening. 3 to 5cm may accumulate about the summit with lesser amounts lower down.
Haast Pass (SH6), for four hours from 9am to 1pm on Wednesday.
Forecast: Snow showers may affect the summit of the road until early Wednesday afternoon. Another 1cm may accumulate.
Lindis Pass (SH8), for three hours from 9am to noon on Wednesday.
Forecast: Snow showers expected to 800 metres and a further 1 to 2cm may accumulate about the summit with lesser amounts lower down. Isolated flurries may affect the road until evening, but not expecting these to settle on the road.
Milford Road (SH94), for 12 hours from 10am to 10pm on Wednesday.
Forecast: Snow is expected to affect the road today. 10 to 15cm may accumulate above 800 metres till early evening, with lesser amounts down to 500 metres. In the evening, snow showers become confined south of Lake Gunn where a further 1 to 2cm may accumulate on the road above 300 metres.
john.lewis@odt.co.nz/additional reporting ODT Online
