Wintry blast sweeps the country

Snow on SH96 between Wreys Bush and Ohai in Southland this morning. Photo: Supplied / Waka Kotahi

A wintry blast is being felt through much of the country, with snow and hail in the South Island, and snow for high roads in the North Island and severe winds.

Snow flurries have been reported in Dunedin's hill suburbs today and there was an intense burst of hail in the city early in the afternoon before the sun came out again. Hail has also been reported in Central Otago.

Further north, snow settled in parts of Canterbury down to sea level this morning.

Southern highways are now open, though motorists are warned to expect winter conditions and have been urged to take care.

Check highway conditions here

The Milford Road (State Highway 94), the Lindis Pass (SH8) and SH93 Mataura to Clinton were all closed this morning but by 10am had reopened.

However, at 5pm the Milford Road closed again between Hollyford Road Junction and Donne River Bridge due to more snow expected overnight and on Wednesday morning.

MetService said another 2cm to 5cm of snow may accumulate above 600 metres.

The state highway in Southland was expected to re-open mid-morning, once cleared, Milford Road Alliance said. More rain and snow showers were forecast to affect the area throughout the week.

A road snowfall warning remained in place for Arthur's Pass (SH73) in Canterbury at 9pm on Tuesday.

The Central Otago District Council said snow fell overnight on Monday around the Maniototo, with reports of about 5cm settling in St Bathans, Naseby and the Ida Valley. The Danseys Pass road is closed.

Schools in Southland were closed today, the Southland District Council said. They were: Te Tipua Primary School, Lumsden Primary School, Northern Southland College, Mossburn Primary School and Balfour Primary School.

Snow and severe wind in North Island

A strong wind watch for the upper North Island had been upgraded to an orange strong wind warning. Severe gusts of up to 120km/h were possible until 9pm today, MetService said.

A severe thunderstorm watch had also been issued for Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island and Coromandel Peninsula until 9pm.

About 22,000 properties across the Coromandel Peninsula were without power for nearly an hour today and lanes were reduced on the Auckland Harbour Bridge due to severe gusts.

Meanwhile, a heavy snow watch was in place for Taihape from 10am until 8pm today. Snow was expected to lower to about 600 metres.

Road snowfall warnings had been issued for the Remutaka Hill Road (SH2) linking Wellington and Wairarapa, the Desert Road (SH1) and the Napier-Taupo Highway (SH5) earlier in the day, but were lifted by 9pm, MetService advised.