Desert Road reopens

The Desert Road has reopened today after wet and wild weather closed it overnight.

Slippery conditions made driving hazardous on State Highway 1, between Waiouru and Rangipo in the central North Island, police said.

The road was closed about 10.30pm and was reopened this morning.

Meanwhile, weather in the lower half of the North Island was expected to calm down today after gales and heavy rain battered the area overnight.

The MetService forecast rain with some heavy falls about the hills and ranges south of Napier, gradually easing.

- NZPA