MetService is forecasting possible snow, thunderstorms and severe gales, which are expected to bring chilly temperatures to many parts of Otago and Southland today. Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures, and driving may be hazardous, he said. The cold front was also expected to bring heavy rain this morning, which would fall as snow down to 500m inland, and thunderstorms. ‘‘Cold air in the upper atmosphere then moves over the lower South Island, with a moderate risk of thunderstorms continuing about southern Fiordland, Stewart Island and coastal parts of Southland and Clutha. ‘‘These thunderstorms may produce localised rainfall rates of 10mm to 20mm per hour, strong wind gusts of 90kmh and small hail.

Source: Otago Daily Times August 13, 2021 16:30 UTC