KEY POINTS:
Heavy snow, rain and gale force winds are expected to hit the South Island and lower North Island today.
The MetService issued a heavy snow warning for Fiordland, Southland and Otago, saying cold rain would turn into snow and 10-15cm was expected, down to 400m, from 9pm tonight until 3am tomorrow.
Snowfall was expected on Milford Rd, Lindis Pass, Arthurs Pass, Porters Pass and the Desert Rd.
A heavy rain warning was issued for Westland with 80-120mm expected between this morning and midnight.
A further 20-30mm is also likely in heavy showers in the 12 hours following midnight.
Severe northwest gales, up to 140km/h, were forecast from North Canterbury to Wairarapa until Wednesday morning.
"Winds of this strength have the potential to damage powerlines, trees, insecure roofs and make driving hazardous especially for high sided vehicles and motorcyclists," the MetService forecast warned.
- NZPA
