4 Aug 2019

Weather watch: Snow in Southland, strong winds in Auckland

8:29 pm on 4 August 2019

Police in Invercargill are calling for caution on the roads today, amid wintry conditions, while Aucklanders can expect more strong winds.

Invercargill police say there are snow showers and drivers should avoid or delay travelling.

They said those who must travel should exercise caution, drive to the conditions, and use snow chains as necessary.

State Highway 7 through the Lewis Pass, State Highway 94 between Te Anau and Milford and State Highway 93 between Mataura to Clinton are all closed.

Warnings have also been issued for the Haast and Lindis pass roads, the Napier-Taupo road, the Desert Road and the Remutaka hill road.

MetService said snow was likely to fall to low levels in many parts of the South Island and Central North Island.

MetService has issued a strong wind watch for Auckland and Hawke's Bay through to Masterton on the east coast of the North Island.

Possible power outages in Auckland

Electricity crews are on standby as more stormy weather is set to hit Auckland this evening and tomorrow.

Homes in Westmere and Point Chevalier were without power until about 12.30am today.

A Vector spokesperson said response crews and storm management teams are monitoring the weather and reminding people to stay away from any damaged electrical equipment.