Snow warning for Taupo road

Motorists using State Highway 5 are being advised to check forecasts and be prepared for possible snow on the high country between Napier and Taupo.
Just before 8.30 this morning, MetService issued a severe weather warning in the wake of a cold southerly flow combining with a large low-pressure system crossing the central and eastern regions of the North Island.
Periods of heavy rain are forecast for Hawke's Bay and Gisborne today, while snow is expected to drop to about 600m around the Desert Rd and high points of the Napier-Taupo highway.
The only bright news is that the low is expected to move away from the country by tomorrow, with increasing fine periods forecast - although temperatures will remain around 13C.
Unsettled weather is also expected later in the week.
Police and the New Zealand Transport Agency were today keeping a close watch on highway conditions.