A significant cold outbreak with snow down to low levels in many parts of the South Island and severe gales across central New Zealand.

An active cold front moves northeast across the South Island today and across the North Island tonight through to Tuesday morning. This front is preceded by a strong northwest flow and is followed by a change to cold strong southwesterlies.

Snow is forecast to low levels across many parts of the South Island. Warning amounts of snow are expected above 300 metres in Fiordland, southern Southland and Clutha, and a heavy snow warning is in force for these areas, while heavy snow watches remain in force for northern Southland, Central Otago, Dunedin, Westland north of Arthur’s Pass, Buller and Nelson west of Takaka. Additionally, west to northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed parts of central and southern New Zealand, and wind warnings and watches are in force.

Showers blowing onto the South Island from the west. That changes this morning as the flow turns more southerly & the coldest air blows onto NZ, pushing snow showers further inland over Southland,Clutha & southern Otago. Warnings & Watches in place: https://t.co/NQBonCMXTZ. ^RK pic.twitter.com/0eKU2K9GD7

— MetService (@MetService) September 27, 2020

This continues to be a significant weather event. Strong winds could make driving hazardous, especially for high sided vehicles and motorcycles. Snow is also expected to affect many higher roads and passes across the South Island, causing disruption to travel. Also, the combination of snow and strong cold southwest winds is likely to cause stress to livestock. People are urged to take extra precautions, especially those travelling, and to stay up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings for their area as the event unfolds.

Heavy Snow Warning

Heavy snow may disrupt travel in affected areas and could damage trees and powerlines. Cold conditions may cause stress for livestock.

Area: Fiordland
Valid: 23 hours from 10:00am Monday to 9:00am Tuesday
Forecast: Expect a further 20 to 30cm of snow to accumulate above 300 metres, with higher totals likely above 500 metres. However, snow should become confined to south of Doubtful Sound tonight or overnight. Please note, further snow showers are expected down to sea level through to Tuesday evening in the south, with accumulations possibly reaching warning criteria (eg. 10cm in 6 hours), and this warning may be extended.

Area: Southland south of Riversdale, Stewart Island, and Clutha south of Clinton
Valid: 23 hours from 10:00am Monday to 9:00am Tuesday
Forecast: Heavy snow is expected above 300 metres where 10cm of snow may accumulate in 6 hour periods, in particular during this morning and afternoon, and again from overnight tonight through to mid-morning Tuesday. Total accumulations may reach 20 to 30cm in 24 hours in some places throughout the Warning period. Please note, further snow showers are expected down to sea level through to Tuesday evening, with accumulations possibly reaching warning criteria (eg. 10cm in 6 hours) in some places, and this warning may be extended.
Changes: This Warning now includes Clutha south of Clinton.

Heavy Snow Watch
Area: Nelson west of Takaka, Buller and Westland north of Arthur’s Pass
Valid: 19 hours from 10:00pm Monday to 5:00pm Tuesday
Forecast: Snow is expected down to 400 metres, with significant heavy snow above 500 metres. This watch covers the possibility of warning amounts of snow down to 400 metres.

Area: Dunedin, Clutha about and north of Clinton, and Central Otago south of Alexandra
Valid: 31 hours from 11:00am Monday to 6:00pm Tuesday
Forecast: Periods of snow are expected, in particular during this morning and afternoon, and again from overnight tonight through to mid-morning Tuesday. Snow accumulations may approach warning criteria above 300 metres. Please note, Clutha south of Clinton has now been upgraded to a Heavy Snow Warning.

Areas to be aware of Southland and Otago:

Source: metservice.com and NZTA

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