SEVERE WEATHER WARNING

Pamela Neighbourly Lead from Templeton

Issued by MetService at 9:26 am Tuesday 30-Jul-2019
A period of heavy snow for southern and eastern parts of the South Island. Also,brief heavy rain possible about the Canterbury Plains below the snow level.

A cold southerly change is forecast to spread north across the South Island during today and into Wednesday, bringing snow down to 200 metres in some places.A period of significant snowfall is expected above 400 metres about the Kaikoura Ranges, the Canterbury High Country and foothills, and also northern parts of Central Otago, and a Heavy Snow Warning (Orange) is now in force for these areas.Please note, Heavy Snow Watches remain in effect for the remainder of Central Otago, the Southern Lakes, Fiordland and inland parts of Clutha and Southland.

In addition, a period of heavy rain is expected below the snow level about the the Canterbury Plains including Christchurch, and a Heavy Rain Watch is now in force for this area.

People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts in case any changes are made to the current Watches or Warnings, or other areas are added.
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HEAVY SNOW WARNING - ORANGE
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Heavy snow may disrupt travel in affected areas and could damage trees and powerlines. Cold conditions may cause stress for livestock.

Area: Marlborough south of Ward including the Kaikoura ranges, also the Canterbury High Country and Plains above 200 metres north of the Waimakariri River

Valid: 12 hours from 3:00 am to 3:00 pm Wednesday

Forecast: Snow is expected to fall to about 200 metres during this time. Expect 15 to 20cm of snow to accumulate about and above 400 metres, with even deeper snow expected at higher levels.

Change note: This area has now been upgraded to a Warning (Orange).

Area: Canterbury High Country and Plains above 200 metres from the Waimakariri River southwards, and Central Otago north of Omakau

Valid: 14 hours from 6:00 pm Tuesday to 8:00 am Wednesday

Forecast: Snow is expected to fall to about 200 metres during this time. Expect 15 to 20cm of snow to accumulate about and above 400 metres, with even deeper snow expected at higher levels.

Change note: Area extended north to the Waimakariri River, previously the Rakaia River.

An update for severe weather will be issued by: 9:00 pm Tuesday

30-Jul-2019