Frosts were expected in the east on Tuesday morning. (File photo). Photo: RNZ / Jean Edwards
Tuesday was expected to be a cold day around the country with frosts expected this morning in the east, including Christchurch.
After wild weather caused severe road disruption on Monday and rain caused flooding over the weekend, Tuesday looked set to be somewhat calmer, though cold.
There was a heavy snow watch in place overnight for Central Otago overnight with snow forecast down to 300m.
Road snow fall warnings were also in place overnight for Milford Road (SH94), Crown Range Road, SH1 Dunedin to Waitati and the Desert Road (SH1) in the North Island.
State Highway 1 on the Desert Road between Rangipo and Waiouru reopened mid-morning, after being closed due to snow.
However, NZTA is warning that winter conditions are in place and motorists need to take extra care.
The Moutoa floodgates on Monday afternoon. Photo: Supplied / Horizons Regional Council
Even as the weather cleared, Waka Kotahi was urging drivers to take extra care.
The transport agency said there was a risk of black ice nationwide because temperatures were still so low.
Roading crews were putting grit on the roads as a precaution, but Waka Kotahi was also warning drivers to be aware of the conditions.
"Due to snow and ice conditions, road users are advised to take extra care," Waka Kotahi said.
MetService said frosts were expected Tuesday morning, especially in the east of the country.
Tuesday would see a southwesterly bringing showers to the bottom of the South Island and Taranaki.
"A lot of the rest of the country will be a lot more clear," the MetService predicted.
However, wind would be making things feel cooler.
The lowest temperature on Tuesday morning was Mount Cook on -5.6C.
The Moutoa floodgates began to close today after being opened on Monday to alleviate pressure on the lower stem of the Manawatū River.
"We started to close the gates at 3.30am Tuesday and will continue to shut gates as catchment levels drop to a level where they no longer needed to be open. At this stage, we expect the gates to be fully closed on Tuesday afternoon," said Horizons Regional Council incident controller Martyn Boyce.
State Highway 56 at Ōpiki also remains closed due to flooding.