Antarctic conditions in south to ease as storm moves north

The Desert Road has reopened after being closed by snow earlier today.

Snow closed the Desert Road this morning as Antarctic weather which brought sleet and snow to the southern South Island overnight moved northwards.

Police said that traffic was again flowing on State Highway 1 between Waiouru and Rangipo but drivers were urged to take extreme care.

The road was closed shortly before 10am following a heavy snowfall.

Meanwhile South Island farmers were keeping a close eye on their stock after heavy snow overnight.

Sleet and snow down to 300m fell in Fiordland, Southland and southern parts of Otago overnight.

But the wintry blast is expected to be shortlived with the MetService forecasting warmer temperatures later today.

Farmers at the tail-end of the lambing season were hoping that losses will be minimal.

Federated Farmers national president Don Nicolson estimated 90 per cent of lambing was finished in the Southland lowlands.

The cold snap could, however, affect farmers still lambing on higher ground.

MetService monitoring stations in higher altitudes recorded negative temperatures.

Dunedin airport reported snow showers, Gore and Lumsden chilled at a 1degC and the Invercargill temperature was 3degC.

Winds of up to 90km/h hit Invercargill airport yesterday with gusts of up to 140km/h reaching South West Cape on Stewart Island.

However, the MetService said the Antarctic conditions would ease this afternoon with snow levels rising significantly.

Motorists were advised to take care on the Desert Road with snow showers expected much of today, clearing tonight.

The MetService said around 10cm was possible on the higher parts of the highway.

- NZPA