Heavy snow is forecast for parts of Otago and Southland today as the coldest snap of the year continues for another day.
A cold and wet westerly flow is expected to move on to the South Island early this morning, bringing heavy snow down to 400m in Fiordland, Westland, Southland and the western ranges of Otago.
A MetService spokewoman said the heavy snow could disrupt travel in affected areas and damage trees and powerlines, and cold conditions could cause stress for livestock.
Some alpine roads were closed yesterday morning and motorists were urged to take extreme care in the icy conditions.
Heavy snow closed the Crown Range Rd to all vehicles for about three hours until about 2pm. The Queenstown Lakes District Council advised motorists to use the alternate route through the Kawarau Gorge on State Highway 6.
Snow also fell heavily around Kingston and the Devil's Staircase, between Queenstown and Kingston, although the road remained open with an ''extreme caution'' advisory.
The Milford Road reopened yesterday morning after closing overnight because of snow, but is at risk of being closed today, with 20cm to 40cm forecast to fall above 400m.
The NZ Transport Agency issued a caution notice for black ice on State Highway 8 between Tarras and Omarama, and advised motorists to take extra care on State Highway 85 between Palmerston and Kyeburn.
In the Wakatipu, contractors gritted roads from Arrowtown to Queenstown, up Fernhill and on Glenorchy Rd.
Temperatures reached a high of 4degC in Queenstown and Alexandra, and 5degC in Cromwell and Wanaka, but the weather cleared throughout the region from the morning, with showers easing.
