Wild weather and a wintry blast are bearing down on parts of the South Island

Many major southern roads have snowfall warnings in place.

They include Lewis Pass, Arthur's Pass, Porters Pass, Lindis Pass, the Crown Range Road and Milford Road.

Milford Road is expecting the largest snowfall - with up to 10 centimetres possible near the tunnel.

Meanwhile, strong norwest winds are causing issues in Canterbury.

Fire and Emergency are responding to several scrub fires that are being fuelled by the strong winds.