Heavy snow, gale force winds in south 

The polar front continued to blast Southland and Otago on Friday, bringing with it heavy snows and gale force winds.

Up to 15cm of new snow was dumped overnight on Thursday and up to 25cm was recorded during the day.

The snow proved too heavy for power lines in Otago which finally gave way, cutting off power to more than 140 homes.

"They've been out of power from about 10 o'clock last night...we can only do what we can," says Otago Power Supply spokesperson Murray Dickie.

The back road from Clinton to Mataura was closed first thing on Friday morning and several schools were shut for the day.

Those at home were doing what they could to cope.

"It's good to have a fire, some people don't have a fire...and we've got gas to cook on, barbeque, candles," says farmer Karen Dodds.

By Friday night, all except 48 homes had their power restored, the rest of which are expected to come back on line on Saturday.

Feeding stock was the main focus for farmers, although they still managed to appreciate the beauty of the wonderland scene.

"But it doesn't take long to get sick of it!" says farmer Jock Dodds.

Others in the south were also affected by the weather - Christchurch started Friday with a temperature of just five degrees and there were gale force winds in Invercargill.

Forecasters say more snow is on its way with another polar blast due midday Saturday.

Despite the cold front, the planned opening of the Mt Hutt skifield will not go ahead this weekend because there is not enough snow.

Ski Area manager Dave Wilson says there is only a thin layer of snow on the ground and either more snow or prolonged snowmaking conditions will be needed in the lead-up to the opening.

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