A severe weather watch for the lower half of the North Island and the upper South Island was issued by MetService tonight.
Stormy weather with heavy rain, snow and gales in some places was predicted.
Areas affected: Wanganui, Taihape, Manawatu, Horowhenua, Kapiti Coast, Wairarapa, Wellington, Nelson, Marlborough, North Canterbury, Buller and northern Westland.
MetService said a severe weather warning was also in effect for areas from Waikato to Taranaki and across to Taupo and the Bay of Plenty.
Heavy rain was forecast over the lower North Island, especially about the hills and ranges of Wanganui, Taihape, Manawatu, Wairarapa and Wellington.
Strong, cold easterlies and lowering snow levels were forecast for the lower North Island and upper South Island.
MetService said easterlies were likely to reach gales level with gusts around 100kmh in parts of central New Zealand.
