Snow falling to low levels across parts of the eastern South Island has shut schools, closed several sections of state highway and caused multiple crashes in Dunedin this morning, with police urging residents to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
The icy conditions also have made their way to Wellington this afternoon, with multiple users on social media reporting snow had appeared to fall in parts of the capital, including the CBD and surrounding suburbs.
MetService later confirmed to 1News what was falling from the sky in Wellington was a mix of sleet and snow.
Several vehicles slid off the road in Dunedin as snowfall and icy conditions make driving difficult, though no injuries have been reported.
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"We are asking that everyone avoid travelling, even in areas that aren't experiencing snow fall," a police spokesperson said.
"If you are on the road, please drive to the conditions – slow down, keep a safe following distance, exercise patience, and expect delays."
Read more: Dan Corbett: The cold in this snap is just getting started
All Otago Regional Council bus services have been cancelled in Dunedin.
Fresh snow transforms the city, giving locals the perfect conditions for some unexpected street sports. (Source: 1News)
In Otago, State Highway 87 is closed from Outram to Middlemarch, along with State Highway 1 from Pine Hill to Waitati.
NZTA urged road users to avoid areas where highways were closed and to delay travel where possible.
"With various other road warnings in place due to the weather conditions, people are asked to take extra care generally on the roads."
Road snowfall warnings are in place for the Napier-Taupo Rd, the Desert Rd, Remutaka Hill Rd, Lewis and Porters passes, and the Dunedin to Waitati Highway.
A heavy swell warning is in place for the coast of the Wairarapa, with waves rising up to 6m this morning. Cook Strait travellers faced disruption as a result, with Interislander sailings cancelled for Tuesday and Bluebridge also cancelling several sailings for Tuesday and Wednesday.
Charlotte Mulder was out in the middle of a live cross when snowflakes made an appearance during a live cross from the Port Hills. (Source: Breakfast)
All Dunedin primary, intermediate and secondary schools are closed, along with East Otago High School in Palmerston and Lawrence Area School.
Several early childhood education centres have also shut for the day, while some preschools and kindergartens delayed opening until 10am.
The Ministry of Education said parents and caregivers should check directly with their school or early childhood provider for the latest updates, as the status of individual centres may change throughout the day.
Warning for Dunedin roads tomorrow
Speaking to 1News, acting Senior Sergeant Simon Reay said Dunedin police responded to over 20 crashes today, and no one had been reported as seriously injured.
"It was only really when it sort of got close to lunchtime that things started to go slushy, and the snow started to melt and the roads started to open up and be a bit freer for us."
Reay said the snow melting meant roads in Dunedin could be "pretty dodgy" tomorrow morning if it freezes over.
"The last thing you want after snow is more snow or ice, and the forecast is looking like ice, and it's just going to be a rink out there again tomorrow if that happens."
Reay said people in Dunedin should take "a couple of moments" to think whether they need to travel before heading out.
"Our advice to people would be if you can delay going anywhere, please do so. If you don't need to go anywhere, please don't. If you do need to go somewhere, please just take your time, and think about your following distances and expect delays, because it's not the best driving conditions out there."
Record electrical demand for rest of week
With record electricity demand forecast through the rest of the week, national grid operator Transpower said it was closely watching the balance between supply and demand.
Transpower's Chantelle Bramley said the company issued a potential Low Residual Customer Advice Notice (CAN) on Monday morning to alert the electricity industry to the possibility of a tight balance between supply and demand during the cold snap.
"These notices are part of our standard operating process," she said.
"We're monitoring the situation closely and the industry has responded as anticipated to resolve potential low residuals across the peak morning and evening periods on Wednesday. We are continuing to liaise with the industry to ensure there is enough generation being offered to meet what is forecast to be record electricity demand through the rest of the week."
Bramley said Transpower did not, at this stage, anticipate any impact on electricity supply to consumers.
"If the situation tightens further across the coming days we will issue additional notices as per established procedures with industry."
Snow surprise for Dunedin residents
Dunedin residents woke to a rare winter scene this morning, with snow settling across parts of the city and bringing excitement for locals.
"I wasn't expecting it to actually be settling. It never snows in Dunedin — this is crazy."
Christie said she was surprised to see the snow sticking, with plans for the day quickly changing as they headed outside to enjoy the wintry conditions.
"We're just going to chill in bed, maybe watch a movie, and then watch the lectures."
Snow and icy roads could disrupt travel early this week before bitterly cold mornings settle in across much of New Zealand. (Source: 1News)
The wintry blast is expected to intensify before easing later this week, with forecasters warning Thursday morning could be the coldest of the year for many parts of the country.
Meteorologists say frigid air flowing directly off the Antarctic ice sheet is driving the cold snap, bringing snow to low levels across parts of the South Island on Tuesday before clearer skies and lighter winds allow temperatures to plummet overnight.
MetService has forecast temperatures well below average on Thursday morning, with Hamilton expected to fall to -5C and Whitianga to -3C. Even parts of Auckland could see temperatures near or below freezing inland.
The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including a cold snap closes roads, mothers plead for help to save stranded sons, and Ariana Grande’s big decision. (Source: 1News)
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