Wild weather has hit the South Island today

The east coast and south of the South Island have strong wind warnings in place and the west coast: strong rain warnings.

Wind warnings for Marlborough remain until 11pm.

A heavy rain watch for the ranges of Buller and Westland is also in place tonight.

There are also road snowfall warnings for Lewis, Arthurs, Porters and Lindis Passes, and the Crown Range and Milford Roads.

The Otago Daily Times reports there's been lightning at Lake Ohau Snow Fields and several road closures in Dunedin because of fallen trees.