Cold air that hit Southland last night also clipped Taranaki this morning with snow falling in the town of Stratford.

Stratford District Council Promotions Officer Gemma Gibson told WeatherWatch.co.nz this afternoon that snow fell for almost an hour in the town and began to settle on the ground.

Gemma Gibson says Pembroke Road, which leads up to Mt Taranaki, is closed due to heavy snow and was planning to reopen around 3pm, although it may be later than that.

Stratford lies 300 metres above sea level due east of Mt Taranaki.

Stratford township is home to over 5000 people.

The skies have this afternoon cleared in the region but it’s possible more snow may fall tomorrow morning as another front rushes up the country from the Southern Ocean.

The large storm that brought the rough weather has now moved away however it has pulled up the polar jet stream in its wake – meaning more windy, cold, weather will be on the way for some areas in the south for at least another 24 to 48 hours before warmer weather returns.

Images / Gemma Gibson