The South Island is in for a battering today - with severe weather warnings in place

Metservice is predicting heavy snow in Fiordland and parts of Otago - and heavy rain in Southland and Clutha.

It's also issued gale-force wind warnings for Otago, Fiordland and Southland.

NZTA say a number of major South Island routes were affected by snow overnight.

Drivers are urged to take extra care on State Highways 8 from Fairlie to Twizel and 80 to Mt Cook.

State Highway 94 from Te Anau and Milford is closed because of an avalanche risk.