Road snow warnings issued ahead of long weekend

People are being warned to keep an eye on the weather forecast as the long weekend approaches.

MetService has issued a slew of wild weather alerts, including road snow warnings on some key southern routes for Saturday.

An 'orange' heavy snow warning is in place for the Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes Districts.

MetService is telling people to expect 20 to 40 centimetres of snow to settle above 600 metres, with lesser amounts down to 400 metres.

"Note, considerably more snow is expected to fall at higher elevations. In addition, rain is forecast to be heavy at times below the snow level," it says in its alert.

"Prepare for snow, cold temperatures, and possible power outages. If you must travel, drive cautiously, and ensure you have snow chains, sleeping bags, warm clothing, and emergency items."

Travel disruption and damage to trees and powerlines is possible, and cold conditions may cause stress for livestock, it says.

Up to 30 centimetres of snow could fall on the Crown Range above 500 metres from early Saturday morning until Saturday evening, and up to 20 centimetres on the Lindis Pass. Less than five centimetres may accumulate above 500 metres on the Haast Pass.

MetService is reporting a large low pressure system is expected tp move onto the South Island on Saturday, bringing heavy rain to many areas and heavy snow to the high country from Canterbury to Otago.

Saturday will likely be the wettest day of the weekend, with most of the country set for a drenching.

Keep across MetService weather warnings here.

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