Snow warning for central North Island

Civil Defence is urging motorists travelling roads in the central North Island tonight and tomorrow to be prepared, as more snow is forecast to fall in the area.

Heavy rain is due to arrive tonight. It is forecast to turn into snow tomorrow morning in Tongariro National Park, Taihape, the eastern ranges of Taupo and the ranges of Hawkes Bay.

Civil Defence is hoping to avoid a repeat of Sunday night, when more than 900 people were trapped in vehicles on State Highway 5 between Taupo and Napier.

It is urging all motorists to be prepared and ensure they have plenty of warm clothes and blankets in their vehicles.

Snow is expected to fall lower than 500 or 600 metres on Saturday morning

Weatherwatch Centre head analyst Philip Duncan says it is not ideal timing for Hawkes Bay farmers, who are still reeling from last weekend's record-breaking snowfall.

"This system is going to really set in across Hawkes Bay overnight tonight. It's more of a Saturday morning event. And we're expecting snow to very low levels across those farms."

Mr Duncan says on the bright side, the low will move on more quickly than last weekend's.

MetService has issued a severe weather watch for heavy rain in Nelson, Wellington and Wairarapa, as well as and southeasterly gales in Taranaki, Wanganui, Manawatu, Horowhenua, Kapiti, Wellington and Marlborough Sounds.

- NEWSTALK ZB