Strong winds will smash the North Island on Wednesday as a cold snap brings snow and rain to the South.
Winds will build today in the upper North Island and will reach between 100km/h and 130km/h by afternoon.
But the gales will be spread over a large distance which will reduce the peak gusts, according to Weather Watch. Sudden wind changes are also likely.
A wind warning is in place for Northland, Great Barrier Island, Coromandel, Waikato, Waitomo, Auckland and parts of the Bay of Plenty.
Weather Watch says gusts may be strongest during squally showers and in exposed areas.
Vector is urging Aucklanders to take care and expect widespread power cuts with the possibility of "gale surges and localised tornadoes".
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The power company says it has extra storm management teams and response crews on its roster so that it can "respond quickly if required".
"We know it's the school holidays with lots of families at home and reliant on power for warmth and entertainment such as laptops," said Vector's head of network field services, Marko Simunac.
"If the weather causes damage to power lines, we'll aim to restore power as quickly as possible while ensuring the safety of our crews and the public."
The central North Island is in for heavy snow in Taihape and the Desert Rd. While the lower North Island can expect rain and southerlies for Wellington, Masterton, and New Plymouth.
Weather Watch says a cold snap in the South Island will bring snow to mountains and heavy rain.
But the forecaster said the rain will be a good thing for Southland and Otago who are in need of some wet weather. It will also bring snow to ski fields which will be busy during the school holidays.
There are snow warnings for several main roads including Lewis Pass, Arthur's Pass, Porters Pass, Lindis Pass, Crown Range Rd, Milford Rd and the Dunedin to Waitati State Highway.
It will be colder than usual in many regions of both islands on Wednesday but thankfully it won't last with Thursday set to be warmer.
