It appears winter is not yet ready to release its grip on Otago.
The MetService has warned Dunedin, Otago Peninsula and Clutha residents to be ready for severe wind gusts and snow settling down to 200m today.
MetService meteorologist Claire Flynn said wind, with gusts up to 120kmh, were expected to arrive in exposed places around coastal eastern Southland, Clutha, Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula later this morning.
The strong, cold southwest front was expected to spread northward over the South Island throughout the day, but inland areas were not expected to be as badly affected.
However, heavy snow fell on the Crown Range this morning and the Queenstown Lakes District Council advises that chains must be carried.
All Otago highways are open this morning.
Ms Flynn said it was also possible the front might bring ''squally thunderstorms'' and snow down to 200m in the hill suburbs of Dunedin tonight.
Road snowfall warnings have been issued for Dunedin's Northern Motorway, and further afield for Lindis Pass, the Milford road and Arthurs Pass.
Aurora Energy warned the severe wind gusts could damage electricity supplies, causing outages in the worst affected areas.
''Winds of this strength have the potential to bring down trees and powerlines, and can create electricity-related hazards,'' a spokesman said.
''People are also advised to be aware of the fire risk in these areas.
''We urge people to be ready for the possibility of power outages and know how to keep safe around electricity.''
People using medical equipment that relied on electricity were advised to ensure they were prepared for power disruptions, and if there was an immediate health threat, contact their health provider or call 111.
''Aurora Energy will work hard to restore power as quickly as is safely possible in the event of wind-related damage.
''Delta line crews will be on standby, ready to respond should severe wind gusts eventuate as forecast.
''The safety of the public and line crews is of primary importance at all times.''
Miss Flynn said the winds were expected to ease from 7pm onwards, and the snow level would rise from tomorrow morning.
To report downed power lines, or trees in power lines, please contact Delta on 0800 433-582.
To report loss of power, please contact your electricity retailer.
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Comments
Interesting it says to contact Delta if there are trees through power lines. I contacted them for this reason over a year ago and still the trees are meters through the lines just up from our house and nothing has been done. The last contact was months ago and no one is replying to my messages.... I hope the wind doesn't bring the lines down because of those trees today!