Snow likely to low levels ahead of milder Sunday

BY PAUL GORMAN

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for the bottom of the North and the top of the South islands.

The MetService - at 4.15pm - said a "very squally southerly change" was expected to sweep over Wellington, southern Wairarapa and the Marlborough Sounds about 5pm.

 

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Winds are forecast to rise to gale and gusts could reach 110kmh in exposed places before easing during the evening.

MetService warned that wind gusts of this strength could cause some structural damage, including to trees and power lines, and could make driving hazardous.

Meanwhile, the wintry blast earlier brought snow to Dunedin and Christchurch.

Snow began falling in the Christchurch suburb of Cashmere just before 2pm, local Paul Hilliam said. 

On Twitter, Philip Duncan wrote: "Christchurch now 2 degrees and raining...sleet cant be far off.... such a change from akld!"

Other tweeters reported that the temperature had dropped more than 8 degrees in the hour before 2pm.

There were also reports of snow in parts of Dunedin.

MetService spokesman Bob McDavitt said the "swings and roundabouts" of spring weather had arrived.

"I think snow will have time to settle on the Port Hills, but the winds will be too strong for it to smother the city, although it does look like it'll be cold enough for snow to sea-level," he said.

MetService forecaster Mark Pascoe said it was snowing in Oxford and was starting to settle there.

Paul Hilliam contacted The Press shortly after 2pm to day that it had started to snow in Cashmere at about 1.50pm. 

Snow has been falling at the Sign of the Kiwi on the Port Hills but has not begun settling yet.

Chains are essential for motorists crossing Arthur's Pass, but the alpine road remains open, a Department of Conservation (DOC) ranger says.

Sophie Hartnell, who is based at Arthur's Pass said Porter's Pass was open but chains were essential for Otira due to snowy conditions.

Otira was closed to towing vehicles, she said.

"It has been snowing but its eased off now, and settled in the village," she said.

A few people were making the journey despite the poor conditions but some had elected to stay at Arthur's Pass village instead of continuing their trip, she said.

Winter blast hits south

It is 3 deg and sleeting in Invercargill and Gore as a polar blast heads our way this morning.

The Press' weather man Paul Gorman is predicting the front will hit Christchurch in another three or four hours.

The bitter blast is predicted to bring snow to low levels in Canterbury.

It is likely to bring snow to as low as 200 metres on Christchurch's Port Hills today, along with hail and possible thunderstorms.

The weather should clear to become mostly fine tomorrow morning before a stormy Sunday, with strong north-westerly winds blasting across the Canterbury Plains and warm temperatures.

However, forecasters warn there is a risk of snow for parts of Canterbury, Otago and Southland on Monday and Tuesday.

MetService spokesman Bob McDavitt said the "swings and roundabouts" of spring weather had arrived.

"I think snow will have time to settle on the Port Hills, but the winds will be too strong for it to smother the city, although it does look like it'll be cold enough for snow to sea-level," he said.

- © Fairfax NZ News