Roads in the central North Island  have been re-opened following snow and black ice overnight.

Both the Desert Road, and the alternate route along State Highway Four through to National Park were closed.

This photo, taken by Jason Winstanley from Radio Network station ZM, shows heavy traffic moving through State Highway 4 near National Park.   The Weather Watch Centre is advising motorists to take extreme care across the region with hail showers still likely and black ice expected to return tonight. 

Newstalk ZB is also reporting that slips are causing problems for drivers on State Highway One in the Hurunui District.

Severe winds along the Johnsonville/Porirua motorway are making driving extremely dangerous. Police are asking motorcyclists to avoid the road. Black ice is making the trek across the Rimutaka Hill Road near Wellington trickier than usual this morning. Police say extra care is needed on the journey, especially around the summit.  Winds are also gusting to 140km/h in the area but in the past hour have showed small signs of easing.

State Highway Three is closed at the Woodville end.