Motorists driving from Hawkes Bay over the ranges have been warned to take extreme care due to severe conditions.
Weather Watch has advised potential severe weather conditions, including torrential downpours, surface/flash flooding risks, possible slips & hail also thunderstorms, possibly severe.
This includes State Highway 5 from Napier to Taupo, and all other smaller roads over the ranges at various points. This is a significant weather event in this area.
More soon.