A heavy snow watch, road snowfall warnings and local snow advisories came into effect across Central Otago and neighbouring areas today, with snow

expected in some areas from 6am this morning (Thursday July 3).

The snow watch covers inland Canterbury south of the Rangitata River, Queenstown Lakes District and Central Otago from 9am Thursday July 3 for eight hours.

Road snowfall warnings are in place for Lindis Pass (State Highway 8), Crown Range Rd with slippery surfaces expected overnight. Road closures are possible if conditions worsen.

Periods of heavy snow are forecast above 600 metres. MetService advises residents to watch for any escalation to higher alerts as there is a moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

With mid-year school holidays starting this weekend and many families heading away, drivers planning to leave town should carry chains and monitor road updates, as conditions may deteriorate.

Check The Central App Weather & Reports and stay up to date via our Roads reports, which will be updated at 9 pm tonight and again by 7am tomorrow morning.