The Metservice has issued a severe weather watch for Otago, Southland and Fiordland, including snow to 300m in Clutha and Dunedin from tonight, as a cold southwesterly outbreak sweeps across the far south.
Temperatures are expected drop across the country from tonight, and snow is expected down to 100m to 200m over the lower South Island from tonight through to early tomorrow afternoon.
Snow accumulation above 300m may approach warning criteria in Fiordland, Southland and southern parts of Otago, especially Clutha and Dunedin from tonight through to early Monday afternoon. The expected snow, combined with cold winds, has the potential to disrupt travel about high roads and may cause stress to livestock, the Metservice advises.
People are also advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts in case further areas are added to the Metservice's "watch" or parts are upgraded to a "warning".
Although west to southwest gales are forecast to continue in a number of places through to Tuesday, the threat of these becoming severe has passed so the watch for severe gales is lifted.
Lindis Pass and Milford Road will experience snow showers tonight and tomorrow.
Up to three centimetres of snow is expected about the Homer Tunnel and 10 to 15cm will fall to the south of Lake Gunn.
Showers on the Desert Road may turn to snow tomorrow evening, and up to two cm could accumulate at elevations from 800m above sea level.
Lewis Pass and Porters Pass are both expected to have snow showers tomorrow, with some snow accumulating above 600m.
