MetService forecasters said the snow level was expected to lower to about 100m tonight, and by dawn tomorrow 2cm to 5cm of snow could accumulate above 200m in parts of Fiordland, Southland, Southern (Central) Otago, Clutha and Dunedin.
Although snowfall below 500m was not expected to be heavy enough to warrant a full weather warning, severe wind chills were likely due to the strong winds and low temperatures.
MetService said the snow could cause disruptions on some roads in northern Southland, around the Catlins and in the higher Dunedin suburbs.
Above 500m, especially about the Catlins and the hills along the boundary of Otago and Southland, snow could reach a depth of 10cm to 15cm.
Strong winds were possible until early tomorrow, especially about the Catlins and Otago coasts from Slope Point to the Otago Peninsula.