Snow is falling in Central Otago, with road warnings coming in fast across the district. 

The Central App’s Vicki McLean, who is on the ground in the Ida Valley, says snow began falling at about 9am.

“Farmers will do it tough,” she says, though it has cleared in many places already.

The Ida Valley is experiencing snowfall. Photo Vicki McLean. 

Naseby's Marielle Craighead says it has stopped snowing now after a heavy squall passed through earlier.

"Bitterly cold," she says. "It's only about 1 degree and there's a cool southerly blowing.

"Looks like there's a wee break coming in from the south as I can see a bit of blue sky."

Marielle Craighead says Naseby received a heavy snow squall earlier.

Cromwell residents have reported snow falling on hills around the town, while Alexandra residents have reported the same. 

An Alexandra resident, who works for a local roadworks and infrastructure company, told The Central App there has been “bugger all” snow in Alexandra itself, but snow is about halfway down Old Man Range. 

“I think the worst is to come this afternoon and tonight,” the resident says. 

MetService forecasts showers are likely, possibly heavy for the rest of the day, with snow down to 200 metres. 

Temperatures will continue to be cold for the rest of Monday with gusty southwesterlies.

The Pisa Range near Cromwell is receiving decent snowfall according to local reports. 

There is currently a Heavy Snow Watch issued by MetService for Southland north of Nightcaps and east of Wyndham, Clutha and Central Otago south of Alexandra

Snow is forecast to lower to around 100-200 metres from early Monday morning and into the afternoon. 

“Snow accumulations may reach warning criteria above 200 to 300 metres in six hour periods,” MetService warns. 

Road snowfall warnings are currently in place for the following:

• Lewis Pass (SH7)
• Arthur's Pass (SH73)
• Porters Pass (SH73)
• Haast Pass (SH6)
• Lindis Pass (SH8)
• Crown Range Road
• Milford Road (SH94)
• Dunedin to Waitati Highway (SH1).

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