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The New Zealand Herald

National

Weather: Heavy snow warnings issued for parts of the North Island

Winter's last kiss is set to strike the North Island today - with heavy snow warnings issued for parts of the country usually linked to hot summer holidays.

A heavy snow warning is in place for Gisborne, with the warning officially being categorised as an "orange" alert by the local district council.

"Heavy snow may disrupt travel in affected areas and could damage trees and powerlines," the Gisborne District Council said early this morning.

The warning is due to affect Hawke's Bay and Gisborne south of the city from early this morning to at least 10pm.

Heavy snow has fallen in Tiniroto this morning. Photo / Supplied

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has confirmed that some roads have been closed in the area.

Roads closed in the central North Island at 8.30am on Monday. Photo / Supplied

"Please avoid travelling as detours are only via New Plymouth or Gisborne."

The Desert Rd SH1 is closed as is SH5 Rotorua to Taupo, SH46 Tongariro to Rangipo & Napier-Taihape Rd.

The Remutaka Hill Rd, SH5 Napier-Taupo Rd, SH4 from National Park to Tohunga Junction, SH1 Taihape to Waiouru nad SH49 between Tohunga Junction were closed but have since reopened.

— Jarrod Gilbert (@JarrodGilbertNZ) August 8, 2021

— Seán Gillespie (@SeanDG) August 9, 2021

Roughly 260 homes around the Hawke's Bay region were without power as at 8.15am due to four separate outages.

They affected mainly rural and exposed areas: Tikokino (nearly 200 homes), Kahuranaki, Te Apiti, and one on Southland Rd, Hastings, and Gough said: "I think it's going to be a busy day today".

— MetService (@MetService) August 8, 2021

Locals are told that snow is possible down to 200m in the area and may become heavy about 500m where 15cm to 20cm of snow is expected to accumulate.

Metservice says snow has been falling to low levels in both North and South islands this morning.

Snow has fallen in Ohakune on Monday morning. Photo / Supplied

SH1 near Waiouru at 9.50am on Monday morning. Photo / Supplied

It says heavy snow and severe gales are forecast for parts of central and northern parts of the country throughout the day.

A low weather system was due to move over the central part of New Zealand overnight and will do early this morning.

"This low continues to bring heavy snow to low levels and severe gale southerlies across the central and northern districts of the country," MetService said last night.

— MetService (@MetService) August 8, 2021

Central and southern parts of the North Island might be surprised to hear about heavy snow due their way too.

Weather authorities are telling people in those areas to keep a close eye on official weather updates throughout the day as a result.

Aucklanders are waking up to a day of rain - with the forecast showing showers, some heavy, throughout the day. There is also the possibility of hail.

A temperature high of 8.7C is expected and strong, cold southwesterly winds - with gales in exposed parts of the city - are on the cards too.

Those conditions are not expected to ease back until this evening and an overnight low of 5C will mean for an extra blanket or two tonight.

Severe weather warnings - heavy snow and strong winds

MetService has issued a number of severe weather warnings and watches around the country.

As well as the bad weather, cold conditions may cause stress for livestock.

Heavy snow warnings are also in place for Taihape and the northern hill country of Whanganui until at least 11pm.

Weather authorities say snow is forecast to low levels around the central North Island high country and is set to become heavy above about 500m - where 20cm to 30cm of snow is expected to accumulate.

— MetService (@MetService) August 8, 2021

People travelling in the area are told: "Snow showers down to 400m are likely to continue through to Monday evening affecting the Desert Road."

Other areas affected by the heavy snow warning are Wairarapa - including the Tararua District and the Tararua and Remutaka ranges.

An early warning for Marlborough, south of Seddon, and Canterbury north of the Rākaia River (not including Christchurch and Banks Peninsula) lifted at 6am.

Heavy snow is forecast for the South Island - and parts of the North Island. Photo / George Heard

Strong wind warnings have been announced for Wairarapa, including the Tararua District, until 1pm.

Locals are advised that southerly gales are expected to be severe - with gusts reaching up to 120km/h, especially in exposed coastal areas. Winds are, however, expected to slowly ease this morning.

Those in Wellington and coastal Marlborough - north of Ward, including the Sounds - are told that south to southeast gales are on the cards in exposed parts.

Those winds are also due to be very strong, with 120km/h gusts forecast. The warning is not expected to lift until about 11am.

Mark Parry, of Merrilands in New Plymouth, woke up to find the neighbours' trampoline sitting on his roof this morning.

He said gale force winds whipped through their neighbourhood about 5am and flung the trampoline onto their house.

Firefighters had been called in to remove the tramp.

A trampoline sits on top of a house after strong overnight winds in New Plymouth. Photo / Mark Parry

Wellington Airport said just before 7.30am that strong wind is now causing disruption to flights this morning.

Passengers are told to contact their airline or check the airport's live flight information for updates.

Road snowfall warnings

Those travelling on the roads today are told to check the weather conditions beforehand and throughout the day, as snow will affect some main routes.

MetService also encourages motorists to keep up-to-date with the road snowfall warnings on its website.

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Central North Island (@WakaKotahiCNI) August 8, 2021

Roads due to be affected by heavy snowfall include the Napier-Taupō Road (State Highway 5), Desert Road (SH1), Remutaka Hill Road (SH2), Lewis Pass (SH7), Porters Pass (SH73), Crown Range Road, Milford Road (SH94) and the Dunedin to Waitati Highway (SH1).

A warning on Arthur's Pass (SH73) was set to be lifted by 4am today, with MetService saying only "a flurry or two" may affect the road early this morning.

Snow in South Island

Snow has fallen to sea level in Christchurch city but it does not appear it will settle. Meanwhile, snow had settled in the Port Hills.

Heavy snow was continuing to fall on the hills at 10.30am.

Snow settling on Christchurch's Port Hills on Monday. Photo / Devon Bolger

The snow is causing disruption on a number of South Island highways this morning.

Hanmer Springs on Monday morning. Photo / Supplied

The following roads are currently closed:

• SH73 Arthurs Pass to Otira.
• SH7 Hanmer Turnoff to Springs Junction (Lewis Pass).
• SH73 Springfield to Castle Hill (Porters Pass).
• Dyers Pass Rd - closed between the Sign of the Takahe and Governors Bay Rd • • Summit Rd - closed between Gebbies Pass Rd and Dyers Pass Rd.

Waka Kotahi NZTA Canterbury said the routes will be reviewed at midday however the Arthur and Porters passes may remain closed into the afternoon as a caravan needs to be towed to establish two lanes of traffic.

Canterbury and Marlborough have been in the firing line for the snow with a large amount falling to 200m yesterday.

SH80 Aoraki Mt Cook Highway at about 11am on Monday. Photo / Supplied

The wintry conditions have meant a late start for some schools, including St Hilda's Collegiate, Wakari School, Halfway Bush School, Dunedin North Intermediate, Waikouaiti School and Brockville School, the Otago Daily Times has repoted.