KEY POINTS:
More bad weather is on the way with a front forecast to cross the North Island bringing gale force winds in exposed northern areas.
MetService forecaster Andy Downs said squally thunderstorms and winds of up to 110km an hour could hit parts of Northland, Great Barrier Island, the Coromandel Peninsula, Gisborne and around the Hawkes Bay.
"A strong disturbed northwest flow is expected to cover northern and central New Zealand through to Sunday," Mr Downs said.
He said dumpings of heavy snow could also hit low lying areas of the South Island and the Central North Island high country.
"Many of the higher roads in these areas are likely to be affected, including all the main South Island passes, the Desert Road, and other higher roads around the Central Plateau," Mr Downs said.
He said more heavy rain is on the way for the Taupo catchment, and given the already sodden ground conditions, slips and flooding were possible.
The police have already issued a warning to motorists in the Hutt Valley.
Inspector Steve Darroch said State Highway 58 had been hit by a severe hailstorm and ice on the road was causing problems.
- NZHERALD STAFF
