Polar blast moving up to hit North Island

The North Island is expected to feel the impact of a polar blast today that swept up the South Island, bringing snow and hail to low levels.

Snow fell near sea level in Southland and Otago as it moved up the South Island yesterday and across Canterbury last night. Motorists were being urged to carry chains on inland southern roads.

The MetService was warning of up to 10cm of snow in some places and Canterbury was expected to be hit overnight with snow on Banks Peninsula and close to sea level.

MetService ambassador Bob McDavitt warned of rain laced with hail in the North Island and some snow in higher roads such as the Desert Road.

The cold blast is expected to pass by late today.