15/09/2024
**UPDATE @8:48pm Sunday 15th Sept**
Evening folks, MetService have updated the snow and rain forecast, you can check it out here : https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home -south
Have a safe and warm evening :) ^E
❄️Kia ora Otago - New snow warnings and watches have been issued this morning, lots of information below but well worth a read especially if you intend to travel or have stock to care for!
🟠Heavy Snow Warning🟠
Area: Queenstown Lakes District south of Wanaka, and Southland north of Mossburn and west of Athol
Period: 13 hours from 9:00am Sun 15 Sep to 10:00pm Sun 15 Sep
Forecast: Expect 12 to 18 cm of snow to accumulate above 400 metres.
Area: Southland north of Lumsden and from Athol eastwards, also Inland Otago excluding the Queenstown Lakes District
Period: 19 hours from 10:00am Sun 15 Sep to 5:00am Mon 16 Sep
Forecast: Expect 10 to 20 cm of snow to settle above 400 metres, with lesser amounts down to 300 metres.
Note, snow expected to ease from the west from tonight, but persisting in the east until early Monday morning. More snow expected Monday night into Tuesday morning.
Low chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
🟡Heavy Snow Watch🟡
Area: Queenstown Lakes District from Wanaka northwards
Period: 12 hours from 10:00am Sun 15 Sep to 10:00pm Sun 15 Sep
Forecast: Periods of heavy snow above 500 metres, where snowfall amounts may approach warning criteria.
Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.
🟠Road Snowfall Warnings 🟠❄🛻
Lindis Pass (SH8), 13hrs from 10am - 11pm Sun, 15 Sep
Forecast: Rain is expected to turn to snow late Sunday morning. 8 to 15 cm of snow may accumulate above 700 metres, with lesser amounts down to 400 metres.
Crown Range Road, 14hrs from 8am - 10pm Sun, 15 Sep
Forecast: Rain is expected to turn to snow Sunday morning. 15 to 20 cm of snow may accumulate above 500 metres, with lesser amounts lower down.
Dunedin to Waitati Highway (SH1), 7hrs from 9pm Sun, 15 Sep - 4am Mon, 16 Sep
Forecast: Rain is expected to turn to snow tonight with 1 to 3 cm possibly accumulating about the road above 300 metres with lesser amounts down to 200 metres.
⚠️Travel disruption and damage to trees and powerlines possible.
If you must travel, drive cautiously, and ensure you have snow chains, sleeping bags, warm clothing, and emergency items.
⚠️Cold conditions may cause stress for livestock.
⚠️ Prepare for snow, cold temperatures, and possible power outages.
🟡Heavy Rain Watch🟡
Area: Coastal Otago
Period: 12 hours from 3:00pm Sun 15 Sep to 3:00am Mon 16 Sep
Forecast: A period of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria.
Note, rain turning to snow above 200 metres tonight.
Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.
Keep up to date with weather here: https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home -south
Keep a close eye on Otago & Southland State Highway conditions throughout this time too : https://www.facebook.com/nztaos
Waitaki District Council Dunedin City Council Otago Regional Council Clutha District Council Central Otago District Council Queenstown Lakes District Council
Image description: Road snow warnings highlighted on a map of the lower south with orange hexagons and times indicating the area and length of time the warning is in place.
