Hawke's Bay was a white-out yesterday as temperatures plunged to "abnormally low" levels, snow and sleet fell and roads closed.
As well as the traditional spots for snow like Te Haroto through to the Titiokuras, Central Hawke's Bay felt the chill of midwinter as snow fell across the district.
Lightsnow began falling in Waipawa about 8am yesterday as well as across Maraetotara, and even atop Te Mata Peak in the late morning, to the delight of visitors.
People at Waimarama and Bay View also reported white flakes falling.
Metservice meteorologist Georgina Griffiths said east coast temperatures were "abnormally low". Hastings reached a high of only 6.6C, the "second-lowest high" since 1972. Napier reached 7.5 - with only five lower highs recorded in 42 years.
By 3pm Hastings had dropped to 4.5C while Napier's temperature also plunged to just 5.6C. To the south Dannevirke shivered at just 3C.
The conditions led police to issue "take extreme care" warnings in some areas - mainly north of Mohaka toward Gisborne, where up to 40cm of snow was forecast for some high-country spots.
Parts of SH2 up that way were described as "treacherous" and police and New Zealand Transport Agency crews were carrying out ongoing checks on road conditions.
Acting Senior Sergeant Mike O'Brien, of the Eastern District Command Centre, said two northern Hawke's Bay roads had to be closed last night because of the snowy and icy conditions: Wharerata Rd between Nuhaka and Gisborne, and Tiniroto Rd, between Frasertown and Gisborne. "There [have] been no reports of anyone stuck or anything like that. Most motorists appear to be taking care."
SH3 through the Manawatu Gorge was also closed last night, after a tanker truck went out of control and became suspended over the edge of the gorge.
While SH5 between Napier and Taupo remained open into yesterday afternoon, the Metservice forecast was for snow showers developing in the evening and continuing until later today, as the tail end of a freezing southerly continued to move north over the country.
Snow fell heavily in Nuhaka. PHOTO/JESSICA GEORGE
The forecast stated between 2cm and 6cm of snow "may accumulate" above 400m.
Showers and possible hail with snow rising to 600m is forecast for today, with occasional showers and easing conditions on Saturday, and a return to sunshine on Sunday.
On the Hawke's Bay highway roadworks front, there are several work sites between Putorino and Wairoa on SH2 north with speed restrictions and stop/go signalling in place. Minor delays are expected.
On SH2 south between Napier and Dannevirke, there are also various works and maintenance sites between Clive and Hastings and between Pakipaki and Takapau later in the week.
On SH50 minor delays can be expected due to various work sites between Tikokino and Takapau.
Work is continuing on the Mohaka Bridge superstructure with a 30km/h approach and crossing limit in place. Temporary traffic lights are in place.
