A big dumping of snow has been predicted for the Wanganui region.
Rural residents in Wanganui and surrounding areas yesterday were bracing for an icy blast as the MetService issued a heavy snow warning for parts of the central and lower North Island, including inland Wanganui and northern Rangitikei.
Snow was expected as low as 400 metres overnight, with 10cm-20cm in inland Wanganui and up to 30cm further north.
Principal Fran Lambert from Aberfeldy School on State Highway 4 said yesterday it had been bitterly cold with a few sleety showers but no snow as yet.
The school was low-lying and surrounded by hills and Ms Lambert said whether they got snow depended on how low it fell.
"A lot of our kids come from farms further up and they might have trouble getting to school over the next couple of days."
There had already been one good dumping of snow on the hills surrounding Aberfeldy School this winter, at the end of June, Ms Lambert said.
A Mangamahu farmer said she was not expecting more than a dusting of snow on her property, which was quite sheltered.
Raetihi resident Kim Horne said yesterday afternoon the snow hadn't arrived there. "The sun is shining, it's a bit chilly but not that bad."
Jill Blade, manager of the Waiouru Welcome Inn, said there had been brilliant sunshine in the town but a sudden afternoon rain shower had brought the first snow flurries with it.
"It's stopped now, but I expect we will get more."
She thought the Desert Road would close overnight.
New Zealand Transport Agency spokesman Anthony Frith said motorists should check the NZTA website before travelling over the next couple of days.
"Closed or open, we ask motorists to take care on all roads because in this kind of weather they can get icy and slippery."
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