South hit by short, sharp cold blast

South Island farmers were bracing today for yet another polar blast sweeping up the country.

Sleet showers were lashing Invercargill this morning as the Met Service issued a heavy snow warning for Southland, Otago and extending into Canterbury.

Very cold southerlies were expected to spread over the South Island, bringing snow showers to sea level in the far south this morning and in Canterbury tonight.

Snow falls of up to 15cm down to 200m above sea level were expected in the hills of Fiordland, Southland, South Otago and around the Otago Peninsula.

Forecasters said the cold southerly change should reach Christchurch late this afternoon, with snow down to sea level overnight and heavy falls possible from the coast to the foothills.

Farmers were advised to move stock to shelter.

Met Service spokesman Hayward Osborn said the latest southerly blast should provide just a short sharp shock, with the weather clearing from tomorrow and becoming fine on Wednesday.

"It's quite a different situation to what we had back in June, with really heavy snow down in South Canterbury," he said.

Snow blanketed Canterbury after the June 12 blizzard, cutting power to thousands of homes and causing havoc throughout the province.

Mr Osborn said the latest southerly would be briefer, but still enough to cause some problems for farmers in the midst of early lambing.

The Automobile Association today urged motorists to carry chains on the alpine passes and watch for ice and grit in shaded areas and on bridge decks.

State Highway 73 between Arthurs Pass and Otira was closed to towing vehicles, with chains essential.

SH94 between Te Anau and the Lower Hollyford Tunnel was to open at midday for all except towing vehicles. Chains were essential and the avalanche danger was listed as low.

SH6 between Haast and Makarora was also closed to towing vehicles.

- NZPA