Southerly blast expected to deliver heavy snow
JUST when you thought winter was over, MetService has confirmed heavy snow is likely to fall in inland Southland, Central Otago and inland Clutha for the next two days.
A MetService spokesman said cold southerlies were expected to affect the south of the South Island from today until late tomorrow, bringing wintry conditions.
‘‘A heavy snow warning is now in force for inland Southland, Central Otago and inland Clutha.
‘‘Snow should lower to 400m to 500m at times, with significant snow accumulation above 800m.
‘‘Expect 30cm to 40cm of snow to accumulate above 800m during the period, and lesser amounts to 600m.
‘‘Heavy snow may disrupt travel in affected areas and could damage trees and powerlines.
‘‘Cold conditions may cause stress for livestock.
‘‘People are advised to keep uptodate with the latest forecast in case more areas are added to the warning.’’
He said the snow was not expected to affect Dunedin, but sleet was likely to fall at lower levels.
The city was hit by unseasonably fluctuating conditions yesterday, going from summery weather to heavy rain, hail, thunder and lightning and back again.
It was the very definition of four seasons in one day.
Much of Otago and Southland was hit by the forecast stormy weather at different times yesterday.
The storm passed over Dun edin about 1pm, and some residents described the hail stones as being the size of liquorice allsorts.
‘‘I’ve never seen hail like it here before,’’ a Halfway Bush resident said.
Although the heavy rain and hail blocked drains temporarily, no major damage was reported.