Farmers in the Ida Valley have woken to a thick blanket of snow today (October 5) and more cold weather is forecast.

Many are getting feed out and checking stock as spring lambing has commenced.

Crews are ploughing and gritting roads because of overnight snow which fell around the Maniototo and Manuherikia areas and caution is advised for people driving. 

Danseys Pass Road was closed due to snow and ice at 8am. 

Metservice’s orange heavy snow warning, in place until 9.00am tomorrow (October 6) for Central Otago south of Alexandra, states: “heavy snow may disrupt travel in affected areas and could damage trees and powerlines. Cold conditions may cause stress for livestock.”

More snow is forecast for Central and other areas of Queenstown Lakes today, check the reports button for up to date information on Roads and Weather.

For local children on school holidays it might be snowman making time; send creative snow pics into: [email protected]

Snowfall is several centimetres thick in the Maniototo

Spring has a snowy sting and another cold front is on the way

More white than green in the paddocks at Rough Ridge farm

No snow in Alexandra although Old Man Range has a decent dusting

The hills around Cromwell are freshly coated with snow as well

PHOTOS: The Central App