KEY POINTS:
Snow is forecast for the south of the South Island tomorrow as a polar blast hits the country.
Severe gales were expected to sweep through exposed areas from Southland to Wairarapa and Wellington overnight and tomorrow.
Gusts about 130km/h were expected, Metservice said.
The gusts were already affecting parts of Stewart Island.
"Winds of this strength can damage trees, powerlines and even small buildings.
"They could lift insecure roofs and are likely to cause hazardous driving conditions, particularly for high sided vehicles, motorcycles and cars towing caravans," it said.
Heavy rain was expected overnight in Fiordland, and peaking at 10 to 20mm per hour tomorrow morning.
Heavy rain was also expected to become widespread early tomorrow morning in the Westland ranges as far north as Otira
The severe gales would be followed by snow showers tomorrow which would probably fall as low as sea level in Southland and Otago, it said.
"In Southland and eastern Otago especially near the Catlins, up to 15cm of snow could accumulate above 300 metres from late Saturday morning and 6am Sunday.
"These conditions could be disruptive to transportation, and dangerous for vulnerable stock," Metservice said.
It has also issued a severe weather watch, for tomorrow and early Sunday, for possible heavy rain in the hilly country from Mount Taranaki to the central North Island, including the headwaters of the Whanganui River and Tongariro National Park, and eastern ranges of the Bay of Plenty,
- NZPA
