Weather bomb for higher ground

Heavy rain, snow and strong winds are expected for Queenstown's headwaters and mountains over the coming 48 hours.

MetService has issued a Heavy Rain Warning (Orange) for the headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers for 14 hours from 8am this morning, Thursday, 1 June, until 10pm tonight.

"Expect 110 to 150mm of rain about the main divide [near Glenorchy], with 70 to 100mm within 20 km east of the divide. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h expected from this afternoon about the divide, and thunderstorms possible."

The heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.

There's also a Road Snowfall Warning for the Crown Range from 5am-8am tomorrow, Friday, 2 June.

"Snow showers are likely to affect the road above 800 metres early Friday morning. Expect 1 or 2 cm of snow to settle on the road near the summit, with lesser amounts to 800 metres. Note, further snow flurries are possible through to Friday evening, but little if any further snow is expected to settle on the road."

And there's a Strong Wind Watch in place for the whole of Otago, excluding North Otago, Fiordland, and Southland including Stewart Island, for 19hrs from 8am today, until 3am tomorrow.

"West to northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places, especially inland and about higher ground."

The forecast for Queenstown as a whole is for clouds and the odd shower this morning, with rain this afternoon and evening, long with strong Westerlies. The temperature is around 16degC. Tomorrow it drops to 11degC, with rain forecast throughout the day.