An Antarctic blast is sweeping the nation on Tuesday, bringing icy temperatures, blankets of snow and significant swells to the North Island.
High winds and thick swathes of snow have resulted in multiple flight cancellations and widespread road closures in the South Island, but the north is also bearing the brunt of the polar blast. The capital was hammered by hail earlier this morning, with heavy snow carpeting several areas in the north, including the rural community of Taihape, certain parts of Taranaki and the Wellington region.
Residents along the capital's coastline have been asked to find alternative accommodation to ensure their safety from the surging water as waves reach up to 6m in height. All Cook Strait ferry services have been cancelled as a precaution, with local families urged to prepare a bag of supplies in case they have to leave at a moment's notice.
Heavy snowfall warnings are in place across the country, with motorists warned to take extra care on the roads as snow, black ice and high winds create hazardous driving conditions.
Keep up-to-date with the latest weather developments below.
What you need to know
- Wellington Mayor Andy Foster has declared a local state of emergency from 3:30pm Tuesday as southerly swells at high tide could present a significant risk to life and property
- Residents of properties 53 through to 194 on Breaker Bay Road in Wellington are being evacuated as they are expected to bear the brunt of the swell on Tuesday night
- The wave inundation along Wellington's coast could be similar to that experienced during the Matariki Storm in 2013, with locals warned to be prepared to leave their homes at a moment's notice
- Mackenzie Country Weather NZ has issued a Road Ice Warning from overnight Tuesday into Wednesday
- More than 20 flights in and out of Wellington Airport have been cancelled, with other flights cancelled out of Invercargill, Dunedin and Queenstown airports
- Interislander has cancelled its Cook Strait ferry services due to the choppy waters
- Major highways around New Zealand were closed for some time on Tuesday, but highways in the South Island have largely reopened. Before setting out on the roads, Kiwis are encouraged to check the Journey Planner for closures or advice.
- A number of warnings have been issued across several regions, with heavy snow and strong winds sweeping the North and South Island
- Christchurch residents could witness an unusual phenomenon known as 'thunder snow' due to the thick snowfall and thunderstorms
MetService weather warnings
Road snowfall warnings: Rimutaka Hill Rd (SH2); Desert Rd (SH1)
These live updates have finished.
9:45pm - Wellington Region Emergency Management (WREM) says heavy swells in the region are expected to have the worst impact between 9pm Tuesday and 3am Wednesday.
MetService data shows the swells are likely to reach a high of around 6.5 metres overnight and are expected to start reducing in size after 3am.
WREM regional manager Jeremy Holmes says residents of numbers 53 to 194 Breaker Bay Road have been notified they must evacuate and checkpoints manned by police and Fulton Hogan have been set up at each end. They will remain in place until midday Wednesday.
"Police, along with emergency response staff, have door knocked each of the houses in that area advising people to leave immediately.
"We are aware that some residents have expressed concern about the safety of their properties overnight, but we can assure residents along Breaker Bay Road that a Police presence will be there throughout the night, and no one will be let through those checkpoints."
He's urging residents in Wellington's South Coast and the Wairarapa Coast to remain vigilant on Wednesday morning as the next high tide is expected at 9am.
"Council teams and contractors are on standby on Wellington's South Coast, the Wairarapa Coast, and in Petone and Eastbourne should any debris need to be cleared from roads or road closures be needed overnight.
"Fire and Emergency NZ are also on stand-by on Wellington's South Coast where the worst effects are expected."
If any South Coast residents need support with accommodation they can call Wellington City Council on 04 499 4444. Anyone who feels they are in immediate danger should call 111.
9:30pm - Otters at Wellington Zoo have been preparing for the city's chilly weather by winter-proofing their den with straw to help stay nice and warm.
Keeper Danni shared a video showing the otters scurrying about carrying straw and dragging it into their den on Tuesday.
9:15pm - Power outages have been reported in the Wellington region.
We Electricity's outage map shows there are currently customers with power affected in Stokes Valley, Johnsonville, Aotea and Ranui in Porirua.
The Stokes Valley outage approximately affects 70 customers and power is expected to be restored in 106 minutes.
The Johnsonville outage should be restored in 106 too, while We Electricity expects to restore the Aotea and Ranui outage in 3 hours.
8:50pm - A Heavy Swell Warning is in place for Wellington's south coast as high tide approaches just before 9pm.
"Southerly swell of 4 metres rising to long period (high energy, 15-16 seconds) 6 metres Tuesday evening. Long period (high energy) southerly swell easing to 4 metres Wednesday evening and 3.5 metres Thursday," MetService says.
"High tides on Tuesday at 8:54pm, and high tides on Wednesday at 9:18am and 9:48pm. Swell and surf exposed coastlines are likely to see overtopping waves causing damage to property, deposition of debris, driftwood, sand and gravel, making access difficult or dangerous and possible road closures. For more details on specific advice, potential impacts and locations affected, refer to WREMO - Wellington Regional Emergency Management Office."
8:45pm - MetService has now lifted several Heavy Snow Watches and Strong Wind Watches.
The following watches have now been cancelled:
Road snowfall warnings:
- Napier-Taupo Rd (SH5)
Heavy snow watches:
- Taihape
- The Tararua Range, the eastern hills of Wellington about the Rimutaka and Orongorongo Ranges, and the southeastern hills of Wairarapa
- Canterbury Plains north of the Rakaia River, including Banks Peninsula, and Marlborough south of the Clarence River
Strong wind watches:
- Coastal parts of Hawke's Bay south of Napier and Wairarapa, including the Tararua District
- Wellington and Marlborough Sounds
- Coastal Marlborough, excluding the Sounds; Christchurch and Canterbury Plains
- North Otago, Dunedin and Clutha.
These watches remain in place:
Road snowfall warnings:
- Rimutaka Hill Rd (SH2)
- Desert Rd (SH1)
Heavy Swell Warning
- Wellington South Coast
8:30pm - Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency says Remutaka Hill is still open for now, but it's "very slippery".
"Contractors remain on-site monitoring, sweeping & treating the road. Please continue to take extra care & drive to the winter conditions."
8:15pm - RNZ reports some residents of Wellington's Breaker Bay are not following evacuation orders because they think the decision was overly cautious.
"Just staying helping the community bag up some sandbags, chuck in front of the garage doors, what have you. I'll be staying to make sure the place is alright," resident James said.
"The general consensus is people aren't too concerned, well the people that I have spoken to at least - including myself."
8pm - Auckland could be in for the coldest night of the year so far with MetService forecasting temperatures in the city will dip to just 3C.
Wellington is expected to drop to 4C overnight with Christchurch at 2C and Dunedin at 6C.
Taumarunui is forecast to be the coldest part of New Zealand at -3C.
7:40pm - MetService says it was a chilly day all around New Zealand with the highest recorded maximum was 14C at Kaitaia.
The coldest part of NZ was Waiouru on the Desert Road which only managed to creep up to 2C.
7:10pm - In the central North Island, snow fell caused the Desert Road to close for most of the day, giving travellers time to perfect their first snowman of the winter.
Up the mountain it was like a blizzard on Whakapapa ski field.
Ruapehu Alpine Lifts CEO Jono Dean said they were delighted with the dusting.
"Oh this is absolutely tremendous. We've had 15-20 centimeters overnight and throughout the day," he told Newshub.
6:45pm - Owhiro Bay residents swung into action as the wild weather descended on Wellington on Tuesday.
Robb Noble's house was flooded last year and he isn't taking any chances - boarding up every doorway and plugging the gaps with homemade sandbags.
"I can't remember how many sandbags [I've used]. I've lost count so there's probably 30 or 40," he told Newshub.
He's not the only one, houses along the coast have battened down the hatches hoping to avoid a repeat of last April.
When large swells flooded Owhiro Bay, forcing a dozen residents to evacuate without notice.
"We've had some warning this time around so I think Monday morning the emails were going out from everybody saying hey the wave alert's coming," Noble said.
Local Eugene Doyle was instrumental in setting up that alert system.
That warning email should've come from Metservice on Sunday - but didn't due to a glitch. Some didn't get the message and others ignored it.
6:30pm - For many in Queenstown, Tuesday's dumping of snow was a reason to party.
One group told Newshub they were very excited to see snow after travelling from the Cook Islands.
"We came down for my 50th birthday and this is the first time to see snow, to touch snow and to lick snow and it’s amazing," one woman said.
An Australian was also very happy to have made it to Queenstown before the borders shut.
"We haven't seen proper snow, I mean we've seen Australian snow but [it's] nothing compared to New Zealand."
6:15pm - The wild weather that was forecast well and truly arrived on Tuesday with many South Islanders braving a below zero night and lots of towns and cities waking up to a blanket of snow.
Hardy farmers and truck drivers had a harder day at work but some holiday makers looked to be having one of the best days of their lives.
They may be built for it but even for sheep, the South Island winter can be brutal. Not that farmers were complaining.
"You always get a bit of snow and a bit of rough weather, it’s just par for the course but this is probably one of the bigger falls we’ve had for a little while," farmer Mike Harrex told Newshub.
It also wasn't the best night's sleep for some truck drivers who were caught short with a late road closure on the Leith Saddle near Dunedin.
Many of the South Island major state highway links were closed by the southerly blast but most opened up by late in the day.
5:55pm - Tune in to Newshub Live at 6 where our reporters have the latest on the weather around New Zealand.
5:45pm - Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has issued a list of winter driving tips:
Check weather and travel conditions on highways before you start your trip and on breaks throughout your journey - use journeys.nzta.govt.nz or call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49).
Ensure your car is safe and equipped: spare tyre, warrant of fitness up-to-date, lights, brakes and wind-wipers all working, clean windscreen inside and out, check tyre treads to ensure good grip.
If you are travelling long distances, share the driving and have regular breaks.
Wear your seat belt throughout the journey and check your passengers have theirs clicked in too.
Driving on roads that are exposed to snow and ice can be treacherous, so slow down and drive to the conditions, not the allowable/legal speed limit. Increase the following distance between you and the vehicle ahead.
Be prepared when travelling in case of delays on the road, particularly in alpine conditions. Make sure you have warm clothes/food/water/charged mobile phone. In an emergency, phone 111. Bear in mind some parts of the highway have no cell coverage.
Learn about winter driving, including how to get your vehicle ready and if you are driving in an area where chains may be needed, practise putting them on before you go so you are not caught out.
5:25pm - An emergency alert has been sent out to some Wellington residents after the state of emergency was declared on Tuesday afternoon.
5pm - MetService says daytime temperatures around New Zealand were mostly in the mid-single digits but the weather has felt much colder which is due to the wind chill effect brought on by strong winds.
"Wellington, for example, was a 'balmy' 6.5C at midday, but maximum winds of 93 km/h made the real feel closer to 1C.
"This will have been felt across Aotearoa, especially in the central and eastern parts of the country.
"Wind chill takes into account the coolness of the wind as it removes heat from your body in cold air temperatures. The stronger the wind, the more pronounced the effect."
4:25pm- Foster says the local state of emergency will be lifted as soon as it is no longer required.
If people are stuck, they can contact the Wellington City Council on 499-4444.
For further details please contact:
John Bullock, Office of the Mayor, 021 391 847
Tom Williams, Wellington City Council, 021 915 860
4:22pm - Residents are asked to be clear of the addresses on Breaker Bay Road by 6pm at the latest.
Road blocks will be set up then at Wahine Memorial Park and Pass of Branda at the northern and southern entrances to Breaker Bay to stop people entering the area.
People who are evacuated are asked to stay with family and friends outside the evacuation zones.
4:18pm - The local state of emergency declaration was made to allow for the pre-emptive evacuation of properties 53 through to 194 on Breaker Bay Road that are expected to bear the brunt of the swell and storm expected around 9pm at high tide tonight.
Foster says advice from MetService and NIWA on Tuesday afternoon indicates southerly swells of 6 metres or more could present a significant risk to life and property if they overtop areas alongside the South Coast.
Foster says he has been advised residents need to be evacuated from these areas before the situation turns dangerous for residents and emergency services.
4:15pm - Wellington Mayor Andy Foster has declared a local state of emergency from 3:30pm Tuesday.
3:50pm - The Gisborne District Council has advised the Wairoa District Council that they will not close Tiniroto Road at 6pm - from Te Reinga to Gisborne.
"We are advising our whanau though to please delay any travel, or travel with extreme caution. Take care out there."
3:40pm - Mackenzie Country Weather NZ has issued a Road Ice Warning from overnight Tuesday into Wednesday.
"The polar blast that has effected Otago and Southland, including Christchurch City is now coming to an end towards Wednesday due to an incoming high pressure system which is quite powerful which means frosty nights.
"We expect the next few nights especially to be bitterly cold with lows expected to be ranging between -3 to -6 degrees across the district.
"Caution will be required if travelling at night and in the early mornings."
3:35pm - MetService says swells along the Wellington coast are expected to be the highest at high tide which will be just before 9pm on Tuesday night.
3:20pm - Emergency Management Southland says snow in the region is starting to melt so residents are urged to take care when driving due to surface flooding and river level increases over the coming days.
2:20pm - Highways in the South Island have largely reopened following widespread closures on Tuesday morning.
Motorists are still urged to drive carefully as the icy conditions are expected to continue overnight and into Wednesday.
In an update, Waka Kotahi confirmed all state highways in the South Island - bar one - were reopened as of 2:20pm.
SH87 from Kyeburn to Outram in Otago remains closed.
"Many other state highways and local roads remain icy," Journey Manager Tresca Forrester said.
"We advise all road users to be on the lookout for slippery patches towards the evening and again overnight and tomorrow morning. Please watch your following distances, slow down, turn your lights on and expect ice on some bridge decks and areas that get no sunlight."
Before setting out on the roads, locals are encouraged to check the Journey Planner for any overnight closures or advice.
1:40pm - There have been flurries of snow for elevated parts of Wellington, with sleety showers for other areas, says MetService.
The capital has experienced a day of wild weather as the polar blast from the Antarctic swept up from the south, swathing the North Island with snow, sleet and bitter cold.
Coastal residents continue to remain on high-alert as severe swells batter the shoreline, with rolling waves flooding roads and posing risks to homes situated near the water.
Residents have been urged to find alternative accomodation as a precaution or pack a supply bag in case they need to leave at a moment's notice.
1:10pm - Here's a recap of the ongoing situation in Wellington as the capital's coastline continues to be battered by severe swells.
Updated modelling shows the impacts from the wild weather could be similar to the wave inundation experienced during the Matariki Storm in 2013, according to Civil Defence officials from the Wellington Region Emergency Management Office (WREMO).
The modelling suggests Tuesday's high tide will result in overtopping and road debris. Additional impacts are expected in the evening, with MetService forecasting "greater inundation".
"People living close to swell and surf exposed coastlines should be prepared for the likely possibility of wave overtopping and flooding of roads, potential damage to property, deposition of debris, and driftwood, sand and gravel making access difficult or dangerous and possible road closures," WREMO said in a statement.
"Those people whose homes have been impacted by past swell and storm events should be prepared for these potential impacts again."
Areas likely to be affected are:
- Wellington's south coast, including: Owhiro Bay, Island Bay, Houghton Bay, Lyall Bay, Moa Point, Reef, Flax, Eve and Breaker Bays, Seatoun and Karaka Bays
- large waves are expected in the inner harbour, Petone and Eastbourne - however, the impacts are expected to be lesser than those on the south coast
- the south and east Wairarapa Coast, including: Ocean Beach - Palliser Bay, Lake Onoke (mouth and spit), Lake Ferry, Te Kopi, Whatarangi, Ngawi, Mangatoetoe, Cape Palliser, Riversdale, Castlepoint, Whakataki, Mataikona, and Mataikona Road.
Advice to the public:
- if your home has been impacted by past swell and storm events or you have concerns, arrange accommodation with friends and family from late afternoon on Tuesday to Wednesday afternoon
- if you cannot arrange accommodation, call your local council for assistance
- prepare a 24-hour bag with supplies relevant to your family in case you have to leave with short notice
- move important items out of harm's way
- avoid affected areas
- stay out of the water and avoid walking on or near beaches and shorelines
- take extra care on coastal roads
- bring pets inside
- check on neighbours who might need some support
- for road debris or damage contact your local council
- for serious, life safety issues, contact 111
- keep up to date with the latest warning information through the WREMO Facebook (@WREMOnz) and MetService NZ on Twitter and Facebook (@MetService).
12:50pm - Footage of rolling waves flooding a coastal road in Wellington's Eastbourne earlier on Tuesday shows a "combination of a large swell and high tide", says MetService.
The agency shared the video, captured by Conrad Vaka-Vivili, after the shocking footage gained traction in the popular Facebook community group, Vic Deals.
"This video... shows what the combination of large swell and high tide meant for exposed parts of the road to Eastbourne this morning," MetService tweeted.
"Even greater inundation is forecast during this evening's high tide so be safe and prepared for potential road closures."
The agency also shared a picture of snow-capped Mt Taranaki towering above the blanketed fields as the region continues to experience flurries of snow.
12:30pm - A local has shared photos of a "picturesque" morning in Te Anau, near the gateway to Fiordland National Park.
A thick layer of snow blanketed his beef farm, the local said, capping nearby pine trees with a dusting of white.
11:50am - Pictures supplied to Newshub by a Christchurch resident show a trampoline swept away by strong winds in the suburb of Belfast.
"The kiddies thought it was hilarious," she said.
11:30am - Footage shared to the Facebook community group Vic Deals has captured the huge waves in Wellington swamping a coastal road in Eastbourne.
The rolling waters can be seen crashing over the barrier and soaking oncoming vehicles, flooding the surface of the road.
Helpful community members took to the comments to urge motorists to wash their vehicles after the onslaught.
11:20am - SH1 from Waitati to Dunedin has now reopened, as well as SH85 from Kyeburn to Waynes.
11:10am - The capital has been hammered by the wild weather on Tuesday, with waves reaching up to 6m and significant swells battering the coastline.
Hail also struck early in the morning, with the northern suburb of Newlands in particular facing a barrage of sleet.
11am - A recap of the current weather warnings in place for the South Island - some have recently been amended or removed:
Upper
Heavy snow watch: Canterbury Plains north of the Rakaia River including Banks Peninsula, and Marlborough south of the Clarence River - snow to near sea level, possibly heavy. Snow accumulations may approach warning criteria above 200m
Strong wind watch: Wellington and Marlborough Sounds - southerly gales may become severe in exposed places
Strong wind watch: Coastal Marlborough, excluding the Sounds - south to southwest gales may become severe in exposed places.
Central
Heavy snow watch: Canterbury Plains north of the Rakaia River including Banks Peninsula, and Marlborough south of the Clarence River - snow to near sea level, possibly heavy. Snow accumulations may approach warning criteria above 200m
Strong wind watch: Christchurch and Canterbury Plains - southwest gales may become severe in exposed places, especially near the coast.
Lower
Strong wind watch: North Otago, Dunedin and Clutha - southwest gales may become severe in exposed places, especially near the coast.
10:50am - A recap of the current weather warnings in place for the North Island - some have been recently amended or removed:
Central
- Road snowfall warning: Napier-Taupo Rd (SH5) - a few snow showers may affect the summit of the road at times until this evening, and up to 1cm of snow may settle on the road above 600m
- Road snowfall warning: Desert Rd (SH1) - snow should ease late this afternoon. A further 3 to 6cm of snow may settle on the road until this evening, mainly about southern parts of the road. Light snow flurries may continue after this time, but further significant snow accumulations are not expected
- Heavy snow watch: Taihape - snow, possibly heavy at times. Snow accumulations may approach warning criteria above 700m.
East
- Strong wind watch: Coastal parts of Hawke's Bay south of Napier and Wairarapa, including the Tararua District - southwest gales may become severe in exposed places.
Lower
- Road snowfall warning: Rimutaka Hill Rd (SH2) - snow is expected to affect the road through to this evening, and 4 to 8cm of snow may settle near the summit of the road, with lesser amounts down to 300m
- Heavy snow watch: Tararua Range, the eastern hills of Wellington about the Rimutaka and Orongorongo Ranges, and the southeastern hills of Wairarapa - snow to 300m, possibly heavy at times. Snow accumulations may approach warning criteria above 600m
- Strong wind watch: Coastal parts of Hawke's Bay south of Napier and Wairarapa, including the Tararua District - southwest gales may become severe in exposed places
- Strong wind watch: Wellington and Marlborough Sounds - southerly gales may become severe in exposed places.
10:30am - An update on the road closures in Otago:
- SH8, Lindis Pass, is open, but pockets of ice remain in shaded areas with a lot of grit. Extreme care should be taken
- SH6, Hawea to Haast, is open, motorists urged to watch out for ice in shaded areas
- SH8, Alexandra to Roxburgh, is open, but with ice and grit on the road. Extreme care should be taken
- SH6, Cromwell to Frankton, is open, but extreme care required due to ice and grit, especially through Gibbston Valley area
- SH6, Frankton to Kingston, is open, but care required due to ice and grit.
10:20am - Waka Kotahi is urging motorists in the Taranaki region to drive to the conditions as snow settles in the Midhurst and Stratford areas.
Taranaki System Manager Ross I'Anson says while the roads remain open, motorists should be prepared for winter driving conditions, including snow and ice.
"Plan ahead, allow extra time for your journeys and drive to the road and weather conditions. Maintain a greater following distance between your vehicle and the one in front, slow down and be prepared for unexpected hazards."
There are road closures on Desert Rd (SH1) and SH4 in the central North Island due to the ongoing snowfall.
"These closures may result in more traffic on our roads, with New Plymouth one of the identified detour routes for the road closures due to snow in the central North Island. Be patient, stay safe."
Motorists can visit the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner website for up-to-date information on closures, detours, traffic and delays.
10:10am - A list of the current road closures due to snow and icy conditions (from the top of Te Waipounamu to the south):
Tasman
- SH60 Takaka Hill (black ice Upper Takaka to Takaka)
- SH6 Kohatu (south of Nelson) to Murchison.
Otago
- SH87 Kyeburn to Outram
- SH1 Dunedin to Waitati
- SH85 Alexandra to Palmerston.
Southland
- SH93 Clinton to Mataura
- SH94 Te Anau to Milford Piopiotahi (Milford Rd) - expected to reopen mid-morning, check here.
Open but please take care
- SH6 Rai Valley to Hira
- SH73 Springfield to Arthur's Pass
- SH7 Reefton to the Hanmer Springs turnoff, the Lewis Pass
- SH1 Gore to Milton
- SH1 Milton to Palmerston
- SH6 Cromwell to Gibbston/ the Kawarau Gorge - chains must be carried
- SH6 Centre Bush to Kingston
- SH6 Kingston to Lumsden
- SH8 Roxburgh to Raes Junction
- SH90 Gore (McNab) to Raes Junction
- SH8 Raes Junction to Milton
- SH94 from Gore to Lumsden and from Mossburn to Te Anau
- SH95 from Manapouri to Te Anau
- SH96 Wreys Bush to Ohai
- SH96 from Winton to Ohai
- SH97 Mossburn to Lowther.
(Accurate as of 10am).
10am - A Wellington local has shared footage of the dramatic swells from a cliff-top vantage point, the videos capturing the rolling waves surging towards the shoreline.
"The ocean is scary y'all. It wants revenge for the trash," she tweeted.
"I was gonna go outside and take this but I honestly feel like the wind will knock me off the cliff."
9:50am - Newshub reporters on the ground in Wellington have captured the intense swells surging towards the shoreline.
The waves have already began reaching 6m in height, says MetService meteorologist Jake Cope, with 15 seconds between each peak.
Cope says the long period between each wave is indicative of the significant force and "high energy" in the water.
"We've got a low pressure way out to the south-east, we've got a high pressure in the Tasman Sea, and that's creating this really long, strong pulse of southerlies," he told The AM Show.
Interislander has cancelled its ferry services across the Cook Strait due to the wild weather.
9:35am - Christchurch locals could catch a glimpse of an unusual phenomenon known as "thunder snow" on Tuesday, says MetService meteorologist Jake Cope.
With reports of snow up to 50m thick in Rolleston and a number of thunderstorms around Banks Peninsula and Christchurch, the conditions could make for a "spectacular" display of lightning, Cope explained to The AM Show.
"It's not uncommon, but it's quite spectacular if you see it," he said. "The lightning reflects off all the snowflakes and makes for a really bright lightning flash."
- Do you have pictures? Send them to news_mediaworks@discovery.com.
9:25am - The two kayakers reported as "potentially missing" off the coast of Seatoun in Wellington have been located safe on land in Petone.
"Police would like to thank all those who assisted with the search effort while it was underway," a police spokesperson said in an update shortly before 9:30am.
"Police urge people to avoid or delay any unnecessary outdoor activities given the severe weather conditions in Wellington at the moment.
"Conditions are dangerous on the water and on the roads due to high winds, and we urge people to take precautions and keep safe."
9am - A rescue helicopter has been dispatched to search for a pair of kayakers off the coast of Seatoun in Wellington as southerly swells hammer the capital.
In a statement, a police spokesperson said the kayakers were "potentially missing".
Police received a report at 7:55am after a local witnessed a kayaker in "possible difficulty" off Marine Parade. A second kayaker was also in the area and was seen paddling towards the first.
The person making the report then lost sight of the two kayakers, but it is believed they may have been heading towards Eastbourne.
Police are working to establish if the kayakers have made it back to shore or if they are still in the water.
The first kayak is described as white with a yellow outrigger. The second is described as a white mono-hull. Both paddlers are male and are wearing blue tops and pink life jackets.
Officers are conducting area searches along the shoreline and the Police Maritime Unit, Coastguard and a rescue helicopter are also assisting with the search effort.
Anyone in the Seatoun, Eastbourne, Seaview or surrounding areas who may have seen the kayakers are urged to get in touch with Police immediately on 111.
Locals have been asked to find alternative accomodation as the surging water is expected to pose risks to coastal residents.
8:55am - State Highway 6 in Kohatu has been closed due to black ice.
"Given today's weather, black ice is likely to be present on a number of roads around the district. Please slow down and take extra care this morning," Waka Kotahi said in a statement.
Black ice, also known as clear ice, is a thin, transparent coating of glaze ice frequently found on road surfaces. Due to its transparency, motorists often are unable to see it while driving. Roads can become increasingly slippery when black ice forms, leading to hazardous driving conditions.
8:50am - The north is also bearing the brunt of the Antarctic Blast, with residents across the island waking up to thick carpets of snow.
One local in Taihape's Ohotu sent in a snap of bright white snowfall blanketing their backyard.
8:40am - Motorists are encouraged to expect potentially hazardous driving conditions on Desert Rd (SH1) and Napier-Taupo Rd (SH5) overnight and on Wednesday.
Waka Kotahi's Waikato System Manager, Cara Lauder, says MetService is forecasting snow showers on the higher parts of Desert Rd, with significant snowfall expected from late Tuesday morning until Tuesday evening.
"Snow showers may also affect the summit area on the Napier-Taupo Rd tomorrow between 6am and noon," Lauder said.
"Motorists are asked to take care. We encourage drivers to be prepared for winter driving conditions, including snow and ice."
Motorists are urged to plan ahead, allow extra time for their journeys and drive to the conditions.
"Maintain a greater following distance, slow down and be prepared for unexpected hazards."
Lauder says motorists can prepare by ensuring their vehicles are safe, roadworthy and well equipped to cope with the conditions.
"Make sure you have a safe spare tyre, your lights, brakes and windscreen-wipers are all working, and you have a clean windscreen inside and out. Ensure your cell phone is well charged and carry a car phone charger or power bank. Blankets, snacks and bottles of water are also a good idea, in case of an emergency or breakdown."
8:30am - Due to the snow, Desert Rd (SH1) has been closed between Rangipo and Waiouru.
Waka Kotahi asks motorists to follow the detour and allow at least an extra 45 minutes for their journeys. For northbound traffic, use SH49, right onto SH4, right onto SH47, right onto SH46 and then left back onto SH1. Reverse for southbound.
Meanwhile snow has started to fall on Rimutaka Hill (SH2). Contractors are on-site monitoring the situation.
8:25am - Stormy weather is affecting some flights in and out of Wellington on Tuesday morning, with more than 20 cancelled as of 8am.
Moa Point Rd is currently experiencing some surface flooding and other local roads are also likely to be impacted by the wild weather.
"We are working with Wellington Regional Emergency Management Office to keep an eye on developments and are regularly inspecting our runway and seawalls to ensure they are not damaged," a spokesperson for Wellington Airport said in a statement.
"We are advising travellers to contact their airline or keep an eye on Wellington Airport's Live Flight Information for the latest updates. We also advise taking extra time and care getting to and from the airport."
8:15am: A complete list of the current weather warnings and watches issued by MetService:
North Island
Central
- Road snowfall warning: Napier-Taupo Rd (SH5)
- Road snowfall warning: Desert Rd (SH1)
- Heavy snow watch: Taihape.
East
- Strong wind watch: Coastal parts of Hawke's Bay south of Napier and Wairarapa, including the Tararua District.
Lower
- Road snowfall warning: Remutaka Hill Rd (SH2)
- Heavy snow watch: The Tararua Range, the eastern hills of Wellington about the Remutaka and Orongorongo Ranges and the southeastern hills of Wairarapa
- Strong wind watch: Coastal parts of Hawke's Bay south of Napier and Wairarapa, including the Tararua District
- Strong wind watch: Wellington and Marlborough Sounds.
South Island
Upper
- Heavy snow watch: Canterbury Plains north of Rakaia River, including Banks Peninsula and Kaikoura south of Clarence River
- Strong wind watch: Wellington and Marlborough Sounds
- Strong wind watch: Coastal Marlborough, excluding the Sounds.
Central
- Road snowfall warning: Lindis Pass (SH8)
- Heavy snow watch: Canterbury Plains north of Rakaia River, including Banks Peninsula and Kaikoura south of Clarence River
- Strong wind watch: Christchurch and Canterbury Plains.
Lower
- Road snowfall warning: Lindis Pass (SH8)
- Road snowfall warning: Crown Range Rd
- Road snowfall warning: Milford Rd (SH94)
- Road snowfall warning: Dunedin to Waitati Highway (SH1)
- Heavy snow watch: Southland north of Nightcaps and east of Wyndham, Dunedin, Clutha and Central Otago
- Heavy snow watch: Fiordland south of Charles Sound
- Strong wind watch: North Otago, Dunedin and Clutha
- Strong wind watch: Fiordland south of West Cape, Southland about and south of Mossburn and Stewart Island.
8:05am - More pictures taken in Queenstown show the thick snow blanketing the roads, roofs and the stunning Remarkables.
A Wellington local also captured thick snow dusting the Newlands neighbourhood during the early hours of the morning.
7:55am - A number of flights have been cancelled at Queenstown, Dunedin and Invercargill airports.
According to the Queenstown Airport departures board, the three domestic flights scheduled to take off between 7am and 10am have been cancelled.
Flights from Auckland and Christchurch into snow-covered Queenstown at 8:45am and 9:30am respectively have also been cancelled.
Departures from Dunedin Airport have also been affected, with an upcoming flight to Christchurch cancelled and a subsequent flight to Auckland currently delayed.
7:40am - Queenstown residents are waking up to homes and cars carpeted in snow, with freight vehicles forced to camp out overnight due to a plethora of road closures.
Several severe weather warnings are in place for the lower South Island, with heavy snowfall expected to affect a number of major roads.
7:30am - Residents along the capital's coastline are urged to find alternative accomodation with significant swells expected to batter the shore.
The Interislander ferry has canned all sailings across the Cook Strait as a precautionary measure.
The full impact of the swells is expected to push through on Tuesday evening with six-metre waves, according to MetService.
Wellington Civil Defence advises coastal residents to pack a bag with supplies should things quickly take a turn for the worse.
"Updated modelling shows that the impacts from this event could be similar to the wave inundation that was experienced during the 2013 Matariki Storm," the Wellington region emergency management office said in a statement.
"People living close to swell and surf exposed coastlines should be prepared for the likely possibility of wave overtopping and flooding of roads, potential damage to property, deposition of debris, and driftwood, sand and gravel making access difficult or dangerous and possible road closures.
"If your home has been impacted by past swell and storm events or [you] have concerns, arrange accommodation with friends and family from Tuesday late afternoon to Wednesday afternoon."
