Heavy rain and snow warning
Last updated 11:59 05/05/2013

Drivers are being warned to take care with snow, heavy rain and severe winds expected to hit various parts of the South Island today.

The Metservice has issued a heavy rain warning for South Westland, northern Fiordland, eastern Otago and inland Southland today.

A slow-moving front will continue to bring heavy rain to northern Fiordland and southern Westland until midday, with 100mm of rain expected.

Severe southeast gales are also forecast for exposed parts of those areas today and early tomorrow.

Metservice warned winds of such strength could damage unsecure structures, trees and powerlines and could make driving conditions hazardous.

Rain is expected to become persistent this morning in eastern Otago and inland Southland, with about 80mm of rain possible as it falls through much of the day.

Up to 150mm of rain could also fall over northern Canterbury and the Kaikoura ranges this evening and through to tomorrow afternoon.

Metservice advised people in the affected areas to take care, as rivers and streams could rise rapidly and slips and surface flooding were possible.

The rain could turn to heavy snow above about 1000 metres later tonight, with the potential for up to 10cm in inland Canterbury tonight and tomorrow morning.

Cold rain could also turn to snow on the Milford Rd and the Lindis Pass area this evening, with about 2cm likely to fall near the summit of both areas.

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