Southerners are being warned to batten down the hatches as a cold southwest change brings gale-force winds and snow to low levels.
MetService said the change was expected to spread northwards over the South Island from tomorrow morning and it would bring gale southwesterlies to many coastal areas.
There was a possibility of squally thunderstorms, and snow could follow the change.
WeatherWatch said the snow was expected to "low levels" in the deep South - possibly to 100 or 200 metres,
Wind gusts were likely to reach 120kmh tomorrow and into Thursday in Dunedin, Clutha, and eastern Southland.
A strong wind warning was in effect for coastal areas from Waipapa Point (eastern Southland) to Taiaroa Head on Otago Peninsula.
MetService warns that winds of this speed can cause damage to insecure structures and make driving difficult.
Be prepared, says power company
The severe winds set to hit Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula from tomorrow morning could bring down trees and powerlines, and may create electricity-related hazards and fire risks, Aurora Energy warns.
The company supplies electricity to 86,400 homes, farms and businesses in Dunedin and Central Otago.
People should be prepared for possible power outages, it said, and have adequate food supplies, warm clothing and bedding, torch and spare batteries, a battery radio and an alternative source of heating and cooking.
Trampolines, outdoor furniture and other heavy items should be fixed securely to the ground.
During a storm:
• Keep well clear of fallen power lines or damaged electrical equipment and treat them as live.
• Watch out for falling tree branches
• Avoid possible damage to electrical appliances when power is restored by switching off appliances at the wall.
People using medical equipment that relies on electricity should ensure they are prepared for power disruptions and if there is an immediate health threat, contact their health provider or call 111.
Aurora Energy said Delta line crews would be on stand-by ready to respond should severe wind gusts arrive tomorrow.
