A heavy snow warning has been issued by MetService for Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes, for an eight hour period from midnight tonight (Wednesday July 19).

The forecast is for 15 - 25 cm of snow above 600 metres, with lesser amounts down to 300 metres.

Residents travelling should check Roads l Weather l Reports reports as snow may disrupt journeys, and could damage trees and powerlines.

Central farmers may need to move stock to sheltered areas and get feed out as coming cold conditions may cause stress to animals.

Residents are advised to stay up to date with forecasts in case any changes are made.

The snow warning ends at 8am on Thursday July 19. 

Stay up to date with conditions on Roads in The Central App.