A wintery blast has buffeted Southland in the last 24 hours, causing disruption and delays to traffic.

Milford Road travelers needed to carry chains while at Gorge Hill, cars and buses had a lengthy delay last night while South Roads grit trucks and snow ploughs made that section of State Highway 94 safe.

By the morning the shadow effect from Stewart Island meant Central Southland and the Waimea Plains were experiencing some relief from the chilly south-southwest winds.

However by mid-afternoon today (11 May) the weather had eased and most roads had again become clear, although wintery conditions still meant motorists should still exercise caution when travelling.

Satellite map of the South Island as at 10am today (11 May). Photo: 45S Weather Services

45S Weather Services reported at 3.55pm today that with temperatures inching upwards, snow is now quite unlikely to fall below 600m, and by morning up to 800m or higher.

Showers are mostly confined to coastal and central Southland, with these likely to continue overnight. Light rain patches may also return to SH94 and SH6 this evening and overnight.

Milford Road's Homer Tunnel at 11am today (11 May). Photo: NZTA

Summary

SH6 Kingston to Lumsden - road clear

SH94 Te Anau to Mossburn - road clear

SH94 Te Anau to Milford - road clear (chains must be carried)