Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency advises that snow is forecast down to 700m tomorrow morning for the Desert Road with high winds picking up from this afternoon and carrying through to tomorrow night.
Road users should be prepared for the winter driving conditions between Rangipo and Waiouru from this afternoon.
Metservice has issued an AMBER alert from early tomorrow morning for gusty South-Westerly/ Westerly winds. Winds are expected to gradually ease tomorrow night.
There is a RED alert in place for snow, with the level expected to drop below 1300m late tonight, and then settle as low as 700m tomorrow morning, Wednesday 26 July.
Road users should expect frequent, sometimes heavy, flurries on the road and between 4-8cm to settle around the road summit between 3am and 9am tomorrow morning.
State Highway 1 may have to close if the conditions deteriorate and drivers should check the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner for up to date information journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic(external link).
For handy tips on driving in winter conditions view our video here:
Winter conditions 101 - how to stay safe behind the wheel this winter - YouTube(external link)
