Snowfall across Central Otago has closed key roads and brought a chilly start to the day, with snow watches in place.

Central Otago residents in higher elevations woke to a wintery scene, with snow blanketing areas such as the Ida Valley, Oturehua, and Naseby. The MetService snow watch extends across Queenstown Lakes and inland Dunedin, with sleety showers and snow on the hills expected to ease later this afternoon.

Road closures due to snow include:

• State Highway 6 (Haast Pass): North of Makarora
• State Highway 8 (Lindis Pass): From Tarras to Omarama
• State Highway 85: Palmerston to Kyeburn
• State Highway 87: Kyeburn to Mosgiel
• Danseys Pass Road

Snowfall is making conditions tougher on farms, especially in elevated areas like Poolburn Hill and the Maniototo.

The final days of October are bringing a frosty sting, but warmer weather is on the way. Photo: MetService.

For updates, head to the Roads under the Weather & Reports section on The Central App.

Travellers are urged to drive with caution.

If you have photos or local updates to share, please email us at [email protected].

Snow for early commuters this morning from Cromwell to Queenstown - Arthurs Point.

Oturehua at 7.30am – Heavy snowfall this morning weighed down trees