MetService's severe weather outlook predicts snow showers to 200m in Dunedin city with strong southwesterlies on Thursday and into Friday. In Clutha and Southland, snow is expected down to sea level.
In 2009, a heavy frost on top of snow made driving conditions dangerous and there was confusion as to where to get reliable information on road closures and conditions.
Otago Chamber of Commerce chief executive John Christie said the 2009 event brought home the economic impact of having roads closed for significant periods and people not turning up to work.
However, the Dunedin City Council's new road conditions and closure pages on its website now provided accurate information for people to assess.
Dunedin and Clutha road policing manager Phil McDouall said police would be advising people to check the city council and Automobile Association websites before driving and to use common sense.
Police could call in four-wheel-drive vehicles if needed and had sets of chains already on wheels, ready to be put on cars when needed.
Dunedin City Council roading maintenance engineer Peter Standring said contractors had been patrolling the roads for the past month and the council website would also carry any announcements from the council, police or New Zealand Transport Agency.
Websites to check for road conditions: www.dunedin.govt.nz or www.aa.co.nz
MetService yesterday afternoon issued a severe weather watch for snow today about the Southern Lakes, Southland west of about Mossburn and about the Catlins to near sea level.
