Heavy snow closed roads and highways in the South Island on Monday while strong winds buffeted Hawke's Bay in the north, leaving hundreds without electricity and fire crews battling vegetation fires.

Snow has closed part of SH1 north of Dunedin as an icy blast hits the lower South Island.

Snow has closed part of SH1 north of Dunedin as an icy blast hits the lower South Island.

Snow has closed part of SH1 north of Dunedin as an icy blast hits the lower South Island.

Heavy snow closed roads and highways in the South Island on Monday while strong winds buffeted Hawke's Bay in the north, leaving hundreds without electricity and fire crews…