A heavy snow warning was issued at 8.11pm this evening (10 Jun) for Clutha, Southland and Fiordland by Emergency Management Southland.

This follows the Fiordland Heavy Snow warning that was issued this morning (10 Jun) and moves the entire province to an Orange alert level.

Area: Clutha and Southland

Valid: 3:00am Saturday to 4:00pm Saturday

Periods of heavy snow above 400 metres, though snow may reach near sea level at times, especially in the south of the region.

Expect to 10 to 15 cm of snow to accumulate above 400 metres and possibly down to 100 metres about the Catlins, with lesser amounts near sea level.

Area: Fiordland

Valid: 9:00pm Friday to 6:00pm Saturday

Periods of heavy snow above 400 metres, though snow may reach sea level at times, especially in the south of the region.

Expect to 20 to 40 cm of snow to accumulate above 400 metres, with lesser amounts down to near sea level.

Note, snowfall may ease for a time Saturday morning south of about Secretary Island.

Heavy snow may disrupt travel in affected areas and could damage trees and powerlines. Cold conditions may cause stress for livestock