Snow around the Homer Tunnel in Fiordland (file). Photo: Supplied
Snow, wind and rain warnings have been issued as a cold easterly front develops across the motu with wild weather forecast until Wednesday.
An orange heavy rain warning is in force for North Otago, Dunedin, Clutha and northern Tasman with up to 100mm of rain expected to fall, causing MetService to warn of streams and rivers potentially rising rapidly.
Inland parts of Otago and the South Canterbury High Country are also under heavy snow warnings, with up to 35cm likely to fall above 400m. Snow warnings are in place for most high level roads in the South Island.
MetService said travel disruption is possible, as is damage to trees and powerlines.
"If you must travel, drive cautiously, and ensure you have snow chains, sleeping bags, warm clothing, and emergency items," it said in a statement.
Wind gusts in Westland and Fiordland may reach 120km/h on Tuesday and Wednesday, and both regions are under an orange strong wind warning.
High sided vehicles and motorbikes were warned to take extra care driving in these conditions and people should secure items on their property that might be at risk of being blown away, MetService said.
Road snowfall warnings are in place for:
- Lewis Pass (SH7)
- Arthur's Pass (SH73)
- Porters Pass (SH73)
- Lindis Pass (SH8)
- Crown Range Road
- Milford Road (SH94)
- Dunedin to Waitati Highway (SH1)
A heavy snow watch is also in place for North Canterbury high country and the foothills north of the Rangitata River and inland areas of Otago and Southland, as well as eastern Fiordland.
Rain watches are also in place for Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, Marlborough, Canterbury, Westland and Southland.
MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris said a large weather system is bringing a lot of rain to eastern Southland in particular, along with a risk of widespread snow in the southern parts of the South Island.
"With the system moving in it is bringing in that rain first, however we have already seen some snow already turning up at Homer Tunnel, though that is quite elevated," Ferris said.
"It is through into Tuesday that we expect that snow to fall lower as cooler air moves in and that will affect southern parts of the South Island."
Meanwhile, there is also a strong wind warning for the central North Island, with drivers of lighter or high-sided vehicles and motorcycle riders between Rangipo and Waiouru advised to take extra care.