An uprooted tree in the Clutha District following Thursdays storm. Photo: Clutha District Council
A powerful Tasman Sea storm is continuing to lash much of the country, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and snow as it tracks east across New Zealand.
MetService said the system will move off the South Island early Tuesday, but not before dumping more rain and snow - and sending gale-force winds through several regions.
Heavy rain warnings remain in force for the central North Island hill country, the eastern Bay of Plenty, Taranaki Maunga, Tararua Range, and parts of Westland and Buller, with forecasters warning of slips, rising rivers and hazardous driving conditions. Up to 130mm of rain could fall in some areas before easing Tuesday morning.
Strong northwesterly gales also hit Wellington, Wairarapa, Marlborough and Banks Peninsula, with gusts reaching up to 130kmh.
In the South Island, a heavy snow warning covers the Canterbury High Country, Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago, where 10cm to 20cm could accumulate above 800m on Tuesday morning.
A snow watch is also in place for Banks Peninsula, with flurries possible above 300m.
Earlier warnings for parts of Nelson, Marlborough and Canterbury north of SH73 have now been lifted as conditions ease.
The severe weather follows days of disruption across both islands over Labour weekend, with widespread flooding, road closures and power outages reported in several regions.
MetService will issue another update by 10am Tuesday.
Cars trapped in snow
Police say cars were trapped in heavy snow on the Haast and Lindis passes on Monday.
It is believed seven vehicles are trapped and contractors were attempting to clear the snow to get them out.
The passes are closed, the road to Mount Cook is cut off, and snow has also closed State Highway 8 from Fairlie to Twizel.
Snow has closed State Highway One between Dunedin and Waitati.
State Highway 83 between Omarama and Kurow and State Highway 87 from Kyeburn to Mosgiel are also closed because of snow.
Wild weather has left almost 8000 customers without power in Southland and Otago.
The water supply has been restored in the town of Winton - the water is still off in Ohai but was expected to be back by about 10pm.
Defence Force soldiers are helping Emergency Mangement reach remote areas for welfare checks on residents.
Emergency Management Southland says some schools are without power and water and won't be able to open tomorrow.
The Ministry of Education is advising parents and whānau in Southland and Clutha to check school websites and social media for updates.
In Clutha, the Emergency Operations Centre says all water and wastewater plans are operating, but a boil water notice remains in place for most of the district.
A number of cell towers remain out of action in both districts and Starlink satellites have been sent to some isolated communities that have the power to operate them.
See how the day's weather news unfolded with RNZ's live blog:
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