Central’s heavy snow warning has been lifted, but residents are urged to brace for more wintry weather as another cold front is expected on Sunday.

Snow fell across the district early this morning, leaving some residents without power, schools closed and warnings to only travel if necessary.

Volunteers needed for Alexandra Blossom Festival

MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris said rain would possibly linger this afternoon, but dry weather was expected on Saturday, until Sunday afternoon.

“Sunday brings the next burst of cold air with current snow forecast above 400m for Central Otago. Monday is a bit more relaxed but Tuesday has another burst of cold southerly winds,” he said.

Footage of snow heading over Blacks Hill, near Ophir. VIDEO: The Central App

He urged people to keep up with the forecasts over the weekend to help prepare for the week ahead.

Today’s snowfall was widespread, which included about 10cm in Ranfurly, while higher elevations, particularly farmland, likely got about 20cm.

Lewis said while it was difficult to say if today’s snowfall was the most significant in recent years, it was the “type of snowfall we expect to see at least once per year”.

Looking ahead, temperatures are going to “have a chill to them”, he said.

“While 13 degrees Celsius is the high for Saturday, Sunday is just going for 8C. Frosts will also be back on the cards.

“It could be a wee while before the temperature climbs back up to the 18°C seen last weekend.”

Snow covered paddocks heading towards Ophir. VIDEO: The Central App

According to the Aurora Energy website, power outages continue across parts of the district, which was still affecting 47 customers in Alexandra, 305 in St Bathans, and 229 in Oturehua.

Keep up to date with Power outages, Roads and Weather via The Central App.

If you have any community updates, changes to events due to snow today, please use the free community notice board.

Also, enter our competition for a chance to win a Maniototo Family Pass by sharing a photo of your snowman on The Central App Facebook page.

Read more: Snow blankets Central, power outages, schools closed