Rain, sleet and ice hit Lower North Island roads

Police are advising motorists throughout the Lower North Island to take particular care when driving on the regions roads.

Reports are being received of heavy rain, sleet and icy conditions on roads not normally known for these sorts of conditions.

With the cold blast expected to last overnight and well into Sunday these icy conditions will persist.

Ice has been reported on roads in the Fielding, Kimbolton and Wanganui areas as well as on the desert road which remains closed.

Heavy rain and sleet in the Manawatu area is also making driving conditions extremely difficult. Police are advising motorists to defer any non-essential travel over this period in the interests of safety.