4 Nov 2011

Winter returns in south

7:46 am on 4 November 2011

Late wintry conditions are bringing snow, hail and possible thunderstorms to southern regions in Friday.

Heavy snow warnings are in place for Fiordland and Southland.

Motorists travelling to Milford Sound are warned to take care on State Highway 94.

High wind warnings are in place for alpine passes and snow is expected on the Lindis Pass.

MetService says snow could fall to sea level in some places.

Southland and parts of Otago, especially Dunedin hill suburbs, will bear the brunt at about midday with cold blustery showers, thunder and hail.

However, MetService says the cold snap should be brief.