Gale and snow warnings issued for next two days

Severe gales are expected for parts of the lower North Island for most of Tuesday, as well as snow and strong winds that could approach gales for parts of the South Island, MetService warns.

North to northwest winds could gust up to 120km/h in exposed parts of Wairarapa, Tararua and Hawke's Bay south of Hastings, between 8am and 5pm on Tuesday, forecasters said.

But the winds should ease in the afternoon.

Damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures was possible, and driving could be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.

The Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said drivers should take extra care, especially on exposed routes like the Remutaka Hill.

South Island winds approaching gales

Strong Wind Watches were also issued for periods from Monday into Tuesday for many parts of the South Island, including: Canterbury High Country, Dunedin, inland and coastal parts of Otago, Southland - including Clutha and Stewart Island, and Fiordland.

Those areas should expect winds that could approach severe gales in exposed places, with the chance the warning could be upgraded.

Road snowfall warnings were issued for Monday into Tuesday for the Crown Range Road, Lindis Pass (SH8) and Milford Road (SH94).

On Monday, the Milford Road and State Highway 94 were shut between Hollyford Road Junction and Donne River, as the Milford Road Alliance warned that natural avalanches were crossing the road. While road snowfall warnings were issued for several high altitude roads in the South Island.

Changing conditions

People in any of the areas who could be affected by the weather should keep an eye on updates, MetService warned, on their Severe Weather web page, and those travelling should keep updates on road conditions on the Transport Agency's Highway Conditions web page.