Environment Southland is putting the word out that snow is forecast to low levels and are asking Southlanders to start thinking of a Plan B when it comes to travelling.

The MetService has issued a severe weather warning for much of Southland with heavy snowfalls expected across Thursday.

As of 11pm there were unconfirmed reports of snow in parts of Dunedin.

Emergency Management Southland spokesman Neil Cruickshank says people should keep an ear and eye on weather forecasts and check road conditions before travelling

Neil Cruickshank says the roads are likely to be treacherous and people should consider whether they need to travel at all.

He says it’s likely that people will wake up to reasonable snow around Southland on Thursday so businesses and schools especially should consider issue around transport of staff and students during the day.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says the snowy forecast is reminiscent of the September snow storm last year, which collapsed the roof of Stadium Southland but hopes the revised Metservice warning, which lifts the snow level from sea level to 100m, is accurate – as this would spare Invercargill of major problems.

Emergency Management Southland will continue to monitor the situation as will emergency services.

– By Malcolm Gayfer at NewstalkZB, with WeatherWatch.co.nz