Still chilly but no more flash floods

Aucklanders are to be spared more of lashing rain, tornados and flash flooding but the week ahead will be cold as winter kicks into high gear, the MetService has said.

The Fire Service attended more than 100 flood-related incidents in Auckland, from rescuing people trapped in cars to clearing fallen trees from roads, and at least three tornados hit southeastern areas on Saturday.

One, 500m high and 100m in diameter, cut a path towards Ardmore Aerodrome. Firefighters secured a house roof damaged by the squalls in the southeastern suburb of Flatbush.

MetService lead forecaster John Crouch said morning frosts were likely in the north of the country this week as winter kicked in.

Southwesterly winds would keep temperatures low and bring rain in periods through to Thursday, he said.

"The winds could become quite strong and the showers quite squally," Mr Crouch said.

Hail is possible but thunder is unlikely.

The cold outlook is likely to make skiers and snowboarders happy. Snow is expected down to 600m in southern and eastern parts of the North Island, and to 200m in the South Island.

Whakapapa opened on Friday, but skiers and snowboarders have been confined to the Happy Valley beginners' area. Turoa opened on June 17.

The Desert Road was closed for periods during the weekend because of ice.

Traffic was diverted through National Park township and no accidents were reported, but police said driving conditions were hazardous.

They also warned motorists to take extra care on State Highway 2 through the Rimutaka ranges.

- Staff reporter, NZPA