Motorists warned as bad weather hits

File photo / Martin Sykes

Motorists are being warned to take extra care on the roads as heavy rain and strong winds move up the country.

A cold front moving north hit the South Island's West Coast and Southern Alps this morning and was expected to reach the lower North Island this evening.

"There was quite a lot of thunderstorm activity early this morning with that front," Metservice's John Crouch said.

"It's bringing heavy rain ahead of it so the rain in northern Westland will ease this afternoon and then it will go up through Buller and Nelson. It's also responsible for northwesterly gales about Wellington and Wairarapa this afternoon and evening."

Mr Crouch warned the severe conditions were causing problems on the roads and urged drivers to take extra caution, particularly in the lower North Island, including in the Rimutakas, where gusts of up to 120km/h were expected.

The Automobile Association also urged caution on the roads, reporting flooding on State Highway 6 between Fox Glacier and Haast, and Haast and Harihari.

- NZPA