More warning level spring snow on the way for Crown Range

The volatile start to spring continues with a series of weather warnings issued for the South Island, where snow is expected to fall on the Crown Range road for the second time this week.

MetService is forecasting rain to turn to snow from 7pm tonight (Thursday) on the alpine route, with three to eight centimetres expected to accumulate above 500 metres, with lesser amounts down to approximately 400 metres.

A warning for the road is in place until 9am on Friday.

Even more snow is possible on State Highway 8 over the Lindis Pass, where MetService says up to 20 centimetres may accumulate above 500 meters, with lesser amounts down to approximately 300 metres.

There, a warning is in place from 9pm tonight (Thursday) til noon on Friday.

Meanwhile there is currently a heavy rain watch for the headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers through to 9pm (Thursday), when rain is expected to turn to snow.

Elsewhere across Otago, and in Southland north of Lumsden, MetService is telling people to expect 15 to 25 centimetres of snow to settle above 400 metres, with lesser amounts down to 300 metres.

"Travel disruption and damage to trees and powerlines possible. Cold conditions may cause stress for livestock," its warning says.

"Prepare for snow, cold temperatures, and possible power outages."

The New Zealand Transport Agency is reminding motorists to switch their headlights on, increase their following distances, and be prepared for unexpected hazards when driving in these conditions.

“People may think it is spring now and warming up, but we still need to be prepared for winter driving – carry tyre chains, expect road restrictions or closures, check NZTA’s journey planner before you set off and have blankets and snacks in the car," NZTA journey manager Tresca Forrester says.

Main image (File/Supplied)