30 Jun 2024

Weather: Strong wind, heavy rain and snow for parts of NZ

2:38 pm on 30 June 2024
Snow along SH8 towards Lindis Pass Summit.

Drivers on the Lindis Pass in Otago could see snow. (File photo) Photo: Supplied/NZTA

The New Zealand Transport Agency in warning drivers to be careful on the roads tomorrow as bad weather is forecast to hit the lower North Island and parts of the South.

MetService issued a strong wind warning for Wellington until 7pm Sunday, a heavy rain warning (orange) for Mt Taranaki during the day on Monday, for the Westland ranges until 1pm Monday and for northern Fiordland and the Otago headwaters until Monday morning.

The Transport Agency said trucks, motorbikes and light vehicles needed to be careful north of Wellington, especially on exposed routes such as the Remutaka Hill on State Highway 2 and the Wainui Saddle.

Heavy rain in Buller and Tasman west of Motueka will impact State Highway 60 and 6, through the Buller Gorge.

Drivers in the area needed to be prepared for potential slips and surface flooding, NZTA said.

Earlier, MetService issued road snowfall warnings for Milford Road (State Highway 94), Crown Range Road and the Lindis Pass (SH8).

There could be 3-4cm of snow on the road above 800 metres, MetService said.