Heavy snow warnings are in place for parts of the South Island as snow continues to fall, affecting roads and causing power outages. 

Southern Canterbury High Country and inland Otago, and also possibly northern Southland, are expected to receive heavy snowfall today, according to MetService. 

Snowfall in Alexandra, Central Otago. Photo / Linnet Julius 

In its latest forecast, MetService says Canterbury High Country south of the Rakaia River can expect 10cm to 20cm of snow to settle above 500m, with lesser amounts down to 300m across the day. 

The region is currently under a heavy snow warning. 

MetService said those in the area should expect travel disruption and damage to trees and powerlines possible. 

Powder chasers at Wanaka's Treble Cone ski field waiting for the lifts to open following a morning of heavy snow fall. 

Cold conditions also risked causing stress for livestock. 

People were told to prepare for snow, cold temperatures and possible power outages. 

”If you must travel, drive cautiously, and ensure you have snow chains, sleeping bags, warm clothing, and emergency items,” said the forecaster.Snow was expected to clear from the south this afternoon and evening. 

Heavy snow fall in Queenstown on Friday morning. Photo / Dhariwal Harpreet 

Queenstown’s Wakatipu High School and Alexandra’s Dunstan High School have closed for the day due to the weather conditions. 

About 6.45am, Queenstown Lakes District Council said the Crown Range Rd was closed by snow. 

Stella plays in the snow in Wanaka. Photo / Supplied 

One person travelling through the wider Queenstown region said driving at times has been “difficult” with heavy snow and “black ice” on the roads. 

“It started snowing heavy at Lindis Pass around 4am... [There was] black ice at some places and as the morning proceeded heavy snow made it a bit difficult to drive from Cromwell to Queenstown,” they said. 

A fallen tree at Arthurs Point has now been partially cleared by the Queenstown Lakes District Council, allowing one lane traffic through the area. 

Elsewhere, a heavy rain watch is in place for Westland south of Haast through to noon, while Aurora Energy said power was out to about 3500 customers in Central Otago early Friday. 

State Highway 85, between Omakau and Palmerston, and Danseys Pass Rd, are also currently closed. 

Heavy snow fall in Queenstown on Friday morning. Photo / Dhariwal Harpreet 

The Central Otago District Council said teams are out gritting and ploughing roads, and advised motorists to reduce speeds. 

A council spokesperson said there was snow in most places around Roxburgh, Alexandra and Cromwell. 

“Roads are holding warmth from recent good weather so around the towns it is mostly just wet roads. Expect some pockets of surface flooding and areas of snow in rural high areas,” they said.