Fresh warnings have been issued relating to a cold front that is expected to bring a decent dumping of snow to parts of the South Island today.
MetService has a raft of advisories in place, including a heavy snow warning for South Canterbury and heavy snow watches for Queenstown-Lakes, Central Otago, and parts of Southland.
There are also road snow warnings in place for the alpine passes and the Crown Range Road.
As at 10.45am on Saturday all southern highways were open.
MetService says up to 20cm of snow could fall above 500m in inland Canterbury south of the Rangitata River, including the Mackenzie Basin.
The forecaster says there could also be heavy falls in Otago and Southland above 500m, and the snow level in the regions could fall to 400m and 300m respectively.
MetService said the snow could disrupt travel, affect power supply and cause stress for livestock.
The snowfall was expected to be shortlived, and conditions were predicted to start improving in most areas from mid-afternoon on Saturday.
Road snow warnings
Valid: 3 hours from 8:00pm Sat 18 May to 11:00pm Sat 18 May
Lindis Pass (SH8)
Snowfall has ended and the Warning is lifted.
Milford Road (SH94)
