Weather: Warning as strong winds arrive around country, snow showers in south

Warnings have been issued as strong winds arrive around the country.

MetService has issued an orange strong wind warning for the Canterbury High Country from Tuesday morning, with severe gale northwesterlies gusting 120km/h in exposed places.

In the North Island, an orange strong wind warning has also been issued for Wairarapa, Tararua, and Hawke's Bay south of Hastings until 5pm.

MetService advises damage to trees, powerlines and unsecured structures are possible.

A strong wind watch is in place in Fiordland, and inland parts of Southland and Otago as well as coastal parts of Southland, including Stewart Island, and coastal parts of Clutha and Dunedin.

Snow showers may also affect Lindis Pass, Crown Range Road and Milford Road on Tuesday, where up to five centimetres may accumulate above 600 metres.