Motorists have been warned to avoid the area if possible. Photo: Supplied / NZTA Waka Kotahi
Snow has closed several South Island highways.
State Highway 94 to Milford Sound is closed from Hollyford Road Junction to the Donne River Bridge.
State Highway 73, which was closed between Otira and Arthur's Pass reopened briefly but has since been closed again due to snow and ice.
State Highway 7, including Lewis Pass, was closed between Springs Junction and the Hanmer Springs turnoff but has since re-opened.
Waka Kotahi said motorists should delay their journey or avoid the area is possible.
Earlier, the transport agency urged Wellington and Kāpiti Coast drivers to be prepared for bad weather, with forecasted thunderstorms expected to coincide with peak evening traffic.
MetService has issued multiple weather warnings for the region, with a severe thunderstorm watch for Kāpiti-Horowhenua and Manawatū and a heavy swell warning for the Kāpiti-Porirua Coast from Ōtaki to Peka Peka.
"The thunderstorm watch will affect State Highway 1 north of Paekākariki between 4pm and 7:30pm today," NZTA said.
"Strong wind gusts are forecast, meaning driving conditions may be challenging."
MetService weather warnings for the lower North Island on 10 September 2025. Photo: Supplied / MetService
Winds of 90 to 110km/h were expected to affect the lower North Island including gusts greater than 110km/h around Whanganui.
It says wind gusts of that strength can cause some structural damage, including trees and power lines, and may make driving hazardous.
The heavy swell warning was in place from early this evening before expecting to ease before dawn on Thursday.
"The heavy swell warning is in effect for 12 hours from 6pm and may affect State Highway 59 between Pukerua Bay and Paekākariki. Waves of up to 4.5 metres are predicted with the highest risk expected at high tide."
High tide would be around midnight.
NZTA said it was essential to drive to conditions and road users must be prepared for potential hazards such as high winds, heavy rain, and debris from wind and waves.
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