WeatherWatch.co.nz is now seeing the event that is set to take hold of parts of the country as a storm event.
Worst affected areas appear to be taking shape over the northeastern corner of the South Island during the next 24-48 hours.

Temperatures are beginning to fall over the deep south as a sou’ wester starts to pick up this afternoon.

Canterbury and Marlborough appear to be in the firing line with heavy snow forecast and WeatherWatch.co.nz is closely watching the situation. 

Snow depths could total near a metre across higher altitudes of the Canterbury with substantial falls of up to half a metre possible about the upper part of the Canterbury Plains and Christchurch city may also see snow total 15-20cm by later tomorrow if sea level temperatures remain bitterly cold.

Christchurch looks to see temperatures struggle to hit four or five degrees by lunchtime tomorrow and with the chilly southerly they could feel closer to the sub zero mark. 

It appeared this morning that rain and snowfall totals had eased a little but this afternoon it appears they’re back and packing a punch.

“This is what can happen and can be a bit of a forecasters nightmare,” according to Richard Green.” Snow levels have fluctuated and once again it’s looking like a near sea level event with some big totals possible further inland”.

Weatherwatch.co.nz believes snowfalls of this amount could be dangerous for drivers, stock and some households if the powerlines can’t handle the amount and weight of snow.

Elsewhere and wind and rain is a talking point with severe wind gusts possible for the southwest corner of the North Island .Some heavy rain could also move over parts of Gisborne and the BOP.

Overnight or tomorrow morning, high winds from the southeast could hit Nelson, Motueka, Takaka and further south in Westport.

WeatherWatch.co.nz will be keeping a close eye on developments.

Story by Richard Green