Onset of polar outbreak in deep south overnight Sat

Severe Weather Warnings and other Weather Warnings from MetService.com

ISSUED BY MetService AT
4:11 pm 12-Aug-2011

Onset of polar outbreak in deep south overnight Saturday to Sunday morning.

An extremely cold southerly outbreak is expected to bring snow to sea level over the south of the South Island early on Sunday morning. Snow is forecast to spread to many other parts of the South Island and the lower North Island later on Sunday. Significant accumulations are likely in Fiordland south of Te Anau, Southland and the south and east of Otago. The snow is expected to continue on Monday and into Tuesday. The heavy snow is likley to cause major disruptions to traffic and make driving conditions very difficult. Strong southerlies, gale about exposed coasts with the cold temperatures will make the wind feel bitterly cold and create blizzard like conditions in some places. Farmers are advised that stock may need shelter.

People are urged to keep up to date with forecasts as further warnings are likely as this event unfolds.

HEAVY SNOW WARNING

AREA/S AFFECTED

Fiordland South of Te Anau, Southland and the south and east of Otago including Dunedin.
FORECAST

In the 24 hour period from 3am Sunday to 3am Monday expect 5 to 10 cm to accumulate near sea level and 20 to 40cm at higher levels, especially above 200 metres. Snow is expected to continue on Monday and Tuesday bringing further significant accumulations.

NEXT SEVERE WEATHER WARNING WILL BE ISSUED AT OR BEFORE
9:00 pm Friday 12-Aug-2011

ENDS

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