Snow forecast near Taupo, downpours and hail for Rotorua

Areas near Taupo may see snow this week as a polar blast set to ice all of New Zealand has sent authorities scrambling to warn residents to stay indoors.

And Metservice forecaster Ian Gall said tomorrow was expected to be a rough day for Rotorua with showers, some of which were expected to be heavy and with hail. He said there would be a strong westerly wind reaching gails in some exposed places which had the potential to cause damage.

 

The temperature is also expected to drop in Rotorua over the next few days with temperatures reaching a high of 10C.

 

The southerly blast has already sent temperatures plummeting in the deep south and will bring snow to large parts of the South Island today and tonight, even in coastal Christchurch, still mopping up after this week's deluge.

Emergency refuge centres are being set up in the city, with residents told to stay at home, and shoppers urged to stock up - but to refrain from panic buying.

Heavy snow is forecast for Otago, Southland, Canterbury, southern Marlborough and the central North Island, according to forecasters.

Blizzard-like conditions are predicted for most of the South Island over the next few days, with snow showers and severe gales forecast.

But it's not the just the south bracing itself.

Auckland temperatures won't get above 12 degrees Celsius for the next few days, while the chance of snow falling in Wellington is "about as 50/50 as you get", according to WeatherWatch head analyst Philip Duncan.

"Wellington, Wairarapa, Hawkes Bay and Taranaki may all see snow - but only Wellington may see it to sea level. Snow levels in the lower North Island will be around 100m to 300m overnight Thursday/Friday morning. During Friday snow may fall very near Taupo and along the ranges further north to possibly 500m."

He says the storm is likely to peak between 6am tomorrow and 6pm on Friday.

And Mr Duncan says that where the snow is heavy, there is a chance that power cuts may follow and he warned people to be prepared.

A special weather advisory has been slapped on the whole country and power cuts have been warned.

"There is certainly the ingredients [for snow] but the significant risk is to north of Otago in the Mid to North Canterbury area," Meteorologist Dan Corbett said.

The big freeze will sweep in this afternoon, with snow down to sea level in parts of Southland and Clutha, and dusting South Island's alpine passes, with up to 1 metre expected on Porters Pass, prompting the MetService to issue road snowfall warnings.

Christchurch Civil Defence staff are on stand-by, having met emergency services and key agencies yesterday to prepare for the expected bad weather.

The Civil Defence Emergency Operations Centre is being set up this afternoon and can be activated overnight if heavy snow falls.

Red Cross has set up an Emergency Operation Centre in the city, operating as a logistical base from 10am today to coordinate 250 volunteers who have been put on call across the South Island.

AA has warned drivers to stay off the flooded and icy roads if they can.

"If you have to go out, drivers should check the conditions of the roads on the AARoadwatch.co.nz website before setting off," said spokesman Mike Noon.

Last night, Cantabs emptied supermarket shelves of essential basic supplies like bread, milk, canned food, and batteries.

"New Worlds and Pak'nSaves across the city have seen an increase of customers throughout the last 48 hours," said Foodstuffs South Island retail brands manager Tim Donaldson.

Countdown's two Rangiora stores experienced "a big rush on basics" yesterday, but have re-stocked today and are expecting an extra delivery of milk today too.

A spokeswoman encouraged shoppers not to panic-purchase "because we're working hard to make sure it's business as usual for Countdown stores".

Residents in the Akaroa harbour area, Pigeon Bay and Little River have been asked by the city council to use water sparingly over the next three days.

"Some water reserves are nearing critical levels as the prolonged inclement weather has and will continue to make the taking of water clean enough to treat from the flooded streams difficult," city water and waste contracts manager Tim Joyce said.

Electricity distributor Unison Networks is advising its customers to prepare for power outages, with high winds and snow forecast for Thursday and Friday.

Otago rivers, particularly the Taieri, Lower Clutha and Pomahaka rivers will be at high levels for at least a week, and farmers have been warned to keep stock and equipment off flood prone areas. - APNZ