Strong winds are starting to hit Canterbury, closing a ski field, and prompting warnings for road users.
Mt Hutt Ski Area in Canterbury has been closed for the day, owing to gale-force westerlies hitting the slopes.
In social media post the Mt Hutt Ski Area said: "Winds are a little strong at present and the forecast is to increase today.
"But the good news is we are expecting a cold SW change later tonight and new snow for tomorrow! So just one more day to wait out these warmer winds then some pow."
Coronet Peak, near Queenstown, has also been closed due to strong winds.
The MetService has a raft of weather warnings and watches in place across the South Island ahead of the polar blast expected later today.
A strong wind warning is in place for the Canterbury High Country until 11pm today, and Christchurch is also expected to be breezy.
A heavy rain warning is in place for the Canterbury headwaters about and south of Arthur's Pass until 10pm tonight.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has warned motorists to take car on some Canterbury roads, including State Highway 73 between Springfield and Castle Hill.
"Strong winds are currently affecting this route at the moment. Please take extra care especially if driving a high sided vehicle, motorcycle or towing a caravan," NZTA said.
The MetService said to expect 110mm to 180mm near the divide and 90mm to 130mm within about 20km east of the divide.
Further south, a Central Otago District Council contractor said there were "multiple reports of fallen trees, signs and other debris" in Roxburgh. Several roads in the area have been closed because of fallen trees. Crews were responding, and caution was advised for motorists. A tree has come down on State Highway 8 near Millers Flat, and traffic is down to one lane as work to clear it is carried out.
A tree that came down on State Highway 8 near Millers Flat late this morning, closing a section of road for a time, was cleared early this afternoon, the NZ Transport Agency said.
NZTA earlier advised that State Highway 6 near Lumsden was closed because of a fallen tree.
QUEENSTOWN FLOODING
Heavy rain is causing a lot of surface flooding around the Queenstown Lakes district today. Road users should take care on the Crown Range Road due to rockfalls and slips.
In a Facebook post this afternoon, the Queenstown Lakes District Council said the corner of Grant Rd right at the bend was closed just before midday for safety reasons.
The small creek at One Mile was overflowing, causing flooding at the bottom of the Fernhill roundabout.
Signage is in place along Lower Shotover Rd due to surface flooding.
Contractors have been sent to Cardrona after major surface flooding there was reported.
Meanwhile, a heavy rain warning is in place for for Fiordland until 2pm today, as well as the Westland Ranges and the headwaters of Canterbury and Otago until 10pm today.
SNOW FOR OTAGO AND SOUTHLAND
A heavy snow watch is in place for northern parts of Southland and southern parts of Otago down to 200 metres between 1am and 8am tomorrow, and a watch for southern Fiordland down to 200 metres from 11pm today until 6am tomorrow.
Snow is forecast to affect the Crown Range Road from 7pm today until 6am tomorrow. Some 4cm to 6cm may settle on the road near the summit, with lesser amounts to 500 metres.
The Queenstown Lakes District Council advised motorists to carry chains and plan for trips to take a little longer.
Some alpine passes will also be affected:
Lindis Pass (SH8): From 8pm today until 7am tomorrow, 5cm-8cm of snow may settle on the road near the summit, with lesser amounts to 500 metres.
Porters Pass (SH73): From 10am until 6pm tomorrow, snow showers are possible Up to 1cm of snow may settle on the road near the summit.
Milford Road (SH94): From 4am until 11am tomorrow, snow showers are likely during the morning and evening. Up to 2cm of snow may settle on the road near the tunnel for these periods, with lesser amounts to 400 metres.
