Fronts bringing threats of tornadoes, wild weekend and snow in the south

Tornadoes, thunderstorms and heavy snow can be expected around the country this weekend as a series of intense fronts pass over.

Forecaster of weatherwatch.co.nz Philip Duncan says we are in for a rough weekend with a moderate to high chance of tornadoes in Auckland and the Taranaki, Northland and Bay of Plenty regions.

Mr Duncan said New Zealand often had a few isolated tornadoes when wintry storms set in.

He recommended moving to a sheltered part of the house, away from windows, if high winds posed a risk of a squall or tornado.

Aucklanders can expect thunderstorms this afternoon, but they should ease to scattered rain by morning.

But as the rain eases, temperatures are expected to drop.

MetService forecaster Heath Gullery said snow was expected to blanket parts of the Central Plateau.

There is no heavy snow warning for the central North Island area but that could change, said Mr Gullery.

In Otago and Southland snow is expected to fall to low levels tonight as a cold southerly sweeps in. Strong winds are expected to produce sub-zero wind chills.

The MetService recommends farmers and drivers in Southland keep up to date with forecasts.

Snow falling to low levels is also likely to affect the hill suburbs of Dunedin. Drivers should prepare for road closures around the country, according to Mr Duncan.

The Desert Road is likely to be coated by snow over the weekend, which may mean it will be closed from tomorrow afternoon until Monday morning.

The Rimutaka Hills, the Hawkes Bay Ranges and the Milford Road may also be affected by snow.

Cloudy skies are expected throughout the country which will disappoint stargazers hoping to catch the partial eclipse tonight.

The weather in the North Island will improve from Monday as heavy rain is replaced by periods of scattered showers and sunny spells, probably with warmer temperatures.