Drivers planning to travel  over the Remutaka Hill on State Highway 2 are encouraged to keep a close eye on the weather overnight.

The Metservice has issued a Road Snowfall Warning for the route from 11 pm tonight (Tuesday) until 5 am tomorrow (Wednesday).

Cold, showery conditions with  snow flurries down to 500 m are forecast with a chance of one cm or less of snow accumulating near the Remutaka Hill summit.

It means drivers must be ready for winter driving conditions. They should reduce speed to suit the conditions, increase following distances and avoid sudden braking. 

Drivers travelling further north should also be aware that Road Snowfall warnings have also been issued for SH1 Desert Road, and SH5 Napier to Taupo. Road users should check road and weather conditions before they travel.

The MetService also has a Strong Wind Watch in place for Wellington for this afternoon, with southerly winds forecast to approach severe gale in exposed areas.

This means drivers of high-sided vehicles (trucks, vans, campervans), towing vehicles, light vehicles, and motorcycles should take care on exposed routes. Drive to the conditions and be prepared for wind-related hazards – sudden gusts, windblown debris, and treefalls.