Showers continue

High seas off Napier. Photo Paul Taylor

Wind and showers continue to blast Hawke's Bay.

A severe weather watch for Hawke's Bay and Gisborne was issued by MetService at 9.23am this morning with southerlies expected continue throughout the day.

Strong southerlies are expected to ease but pick up again in Gisborne and Hawke's Bay this evening during which time winds may rise to severe gale in exposed places.

Metservice meterologist Lisa Murray said although there may be patches of blue sky locals should expect wind and heavy showers today and tomorrow.

"The southerly flow brings some cumulus clouds with heavy showers and that will probably last until late afternoon on Saturday."

Swells are expected to range from 4-6m over the weekend with wind gusts of up to 100k, Ms Murray said.

Snow showers will continue throughout the Gisbourne and Hawke's Bay ranges today with the snow level expected to lift to 700m.

The threat of heavy snow has now been lifted with just 1-2cm of snow expected to settle on the road tonight.

Ms Murray warned those travelling to keep an eye on the forecast as melted snow may form black ice on the road in the evening and early morning.

Conditions are not expected to ease until Sunday, with a warmer brighter forecast predicted for early this week.

MetService will review the current severe weather watch tonight.