UPDATED 6.57PM It has been a chilly day for many parts of the country and a snowy day for some.

Severe weather watches and warnings are in place for many parts of the country.

LISTEN ABOVE: Sarah Garlick from MetService speaks with Rachel Smalley

Clutha civil defence officials are on stand-by, with a heavy snow warning in place for inland parts of Southland and Clutha.

There are also snowfall warnings in place for the rest of Otago, and for inland parts of South Canterbury south of Fairlie, including the MacKenzie Basin.

Flooding has been reported on State Highway One between the Waimate Junction and Oamaru and at Morven near Waimate.

Snow is easing on the South Island passes, but more snow could be on the way tomorrow.

Snow showers are expected tonight on the Lewis, Arthur's, Porters and Lindis Passes, Milford Road and the Dunedin to Waitati Highway.

Key points:

- Severe weather watches and warnings are in place for many parts of the country.

- Clutha civil defence officials are on stand-by, with a heavy snow warning in place for inland parts of Southland and Clutha.

- There are also snowfall warnings in place for the rest of Otago, and for inland parts of South Canterbury south of Fairlie, including the MacKenzie Basin.

- Flooding has been reported on State Highway 1 between the Waimate Junction and Oamaru and State Highway 1 at Morven near Waimate.

- Snow is easing on the South Island passes, but more snow could be on the way tomorrow.

- Snow showers are expected tonight on Lewis Pass, Arthur's Pass, Porters Pass, Lindis Pass, Milford Road and the Dunedin to Waitati Highway.

MetService road snowfall warnings:

- Lewis Pass (SH7): Snow showers are expected to return this evening and 2 to 4cm may settle between about 6pm and 8pm. Further snow is expected tomorrow with 10 to 15cm likely between dawn and 6pm Thursday above 600 metres and lesser amounts down to 200 metres.

- Arthurs Pass (SH73): Snow showers should clear this morning but one or two may return this evening. Another 1 to 2 cm may settle about the summit.

- Porters Pass (SH73): Snow showers have cleared this morning. Snow is expected to return overnight and last into Thursday evening. 10 to 20cm may settle above 600 metres during Thursday with lesser amounts down to 200 metres.

- Lindis Pass (SH8): Snow is expected to ease later this afternoon. A further 10 to 20 cm is likely to settle about the higher parts of the road by then. Occasional snow showers are possible overnight before clearing tomorrow morning and a further 1 to 2cm may fall.

- Haast Pass (SH6): Any remaining snow showers should clear this morning. Little, if any snow should settle on the road.

- Milford Rd (SH94): Snow should clear about the tunnel late morning, and a further 1 to 3cm may settle by midday. South of lake Gunn, snow showers should also clear soon after midday but a few light showers could return this evening before clearing overnight.Dunedin to Waitati Highway (SH1): Rain turning to snow Wednesday morning, with 5 to 10cm likely to accumulate on the road through to Wednesday night. Note, further snow possible early on Thursday.

- Dunedin to Waitati Highway (SH1):  Rain may turn to snow late morning or afternoon and 5 to 10cm could accumulate on the top of the road before easing overnight.

NZTA State Highway area warnings:

- SH1 South of Oamaru - Surface flooding is affecting the road near Alma Rd & Robins Rd. Please take care if driving in the area.

- SH63 Renwick to St Arnaud - The road is now open to one lane. Care is still needed by road users.

- SH8 Fairlie to Twizel (Burkes Pass) - The road is now open to all vehicles

- SH73 Springfield to Arthurs Pass village (Porters Pass) - The road is open to all traffic.

- SH73 Arthurs Pass village to Otira (Arthurs Pass) - The road is now open to all traffic

- SH7 Hanmer Springs turn-off to Springs Junction (Lewis Pass) - The road is now open to all traffic

- SH8 Tarras to Omarama (Lindis Pass) - The road is open to all traffic