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Heavy snow, rain and severe gales are predicted to top off a week of icy weather this weekend.
The MetService has issued a severe weather warning for southerly gales, heavy snow and heavy rain around the country.
A strong cold southerly airstream was expected to bring snow to the central North Island overnight, with heavy falls of 15 to 25cm predicted to fall on Saturday afternoon and evening.
The Desert Road, State Highway 49 through Ohakune and SH4 through Tongariro National Park were likely to be affected.
A spell of heavy rain was expected on Saturday evening for Canterbury to the Kaikoura Coast, southeast of Blenheim, the MetService said.
Severe southerly gales were expected on Saturday for Banks Peninsula, east of Christchurch, to the Wairarapa, the MetService said.
Gusts could reach 120km/h at times.
The MetService has also issued a severe weather watch for heavy rain in Wellington and the Wairarapa on Saturday and Sunday.
A low was expected to bring heavy rain in the coastal hills of the Wairarapa, southern and eastern slopes of the Tararua Ranges, and Wellington.
Because of the threat of severe weather, people were advised to keep up to date with weather forecasts, and travellers were advised to reconsider some routes.
People should also be wary of rising streams and rivers.
The MetService has also issued road snowfall warnings for Lindis Pass, in Central Otago; Porters Pass, on the West Coast; Rimutaka Hill Road, near Wairarapa; and the Desert Road.
- NZPA
