HEAVY SNOWFALL WARNINGS - OTAGO AND SOUTHLAND REGIONS

There are heavy snowfall warnings in place for the Otago and Southland regions which will impact our freight movement in Queenstown, Invercargill and Dunedin.

Heavy rain watch

Period: 15hrs from 9am - midnight (Monday 29 July)

Area: Southland and Clutha about and northwest of Raes Junction

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria. Low chance of upgrading to a Warning.

Heavy snow watch

Period: 33hrs from 9am (Monday 29 July) to 6pm (Tuesday 30 July)

Area: Inland areas of Otago and Southland as well as eastern Fiordland

Forecast: Periods of heavy snow above 800 metres during Monday morning, where snowfall amounts may approach warning criteria. Note: snow level is expected to lower to 300 metres Monday night. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

Heavy snow warning - orange

Period: 24hrs from 10pm (Monday 29 July) to 10pm (Tuesday 30 July)

Area: Inland parts of eastern Otago:

Forecast: Expect 25 - 35cm of snow to settle above 400 metres, with lesser amounts down to 200 metres. Low chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.

Impact: Travel disruption and damage to trees and powerlines possible. Cold conditions may cause stress for livestock.

Road snowfall warning

Period: 16hrs from 1am - 5pm (Tuesday 30 July)

Area: Dunedin to Waitati Highway (SH1)

Forecast: Expect 15 - 25cm of snow to settle at the summit, with lesser amounts down to 200 metres.