Norsewood experiences white out

Snow blanketed Norsewood this morning as snow fell down to 200 metres in parts of Hawke's Bay. Photo/ Warren Buckland.

The residents of Norsewood awoke to a winter wonderland this morning with snow coated houses, hedges and roads.

A severe weather warning for snow remains in place today with heavy snow expected above 600 metres until this evening and lesser amounts down to 400 metres and 200 metres in parts of Central Hawke's Bay and Tararua District.

Norsewood farmer Lyn McConchie said they had about three inches of snow overnight and when she opened her curtains she was greeted to windows covered in solid snow.

"I knew there had been southerly as it was all right up against my window and when I walked down through the snow to get the paper the hedge had been snow blasted on the other side."

Ms McConchie said it was the first snow of the year and the coldest night, with her temperature gauge reading -5C at 7am.

Even though she was not enjoying the chilly weather she said her geese were "very happy".

"Between the rain and melting of snow we have a very large stretch of lawn about 6 inches under water so the geese are very happy out there."

Ms McConchie said her sheep were happy too all hiding away in the shed.

A heavy rain watch was also in place today for Hawke's Bay from tonight until tomorrow evening.

MetService meteorologist Tom Adams said the rain band should ease for a period this afternoon before strengthening again this evening.

"The lines of rain will keep coming in and snow will fall again to the higher levels."

The New Zealand Transport Agency has issued an area warning for snow and ice on State Highway Two between Woodville and Waipukurau and also on State Highway 50 between Takapau and Tikokino.

The Napier-Taupo Rd remains closed today.