Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch have been hit by weather elements over the last twelve hours.

Auckland saw kingtides affect lowlying areas last night over some motorways which resulted in mainly minor flooding and blustery conditions were also a factor. Further high tides between 8 and 9 this morning could also be an issue for drivers.

Wellingtonians have seen thunder, lightning, heavy rain and also reports of isolated hail first thing this morning. Drivers are being urged to take care on the roads,

Christchurch has started to see some snow fall across parts of the city as the southerly starts to bite.Temperatures at the airport are varying between one and two degrees.More snow showers are expected throughout the morning.

“The key for Christchurch is if the air temperature can lower enough for the snow to settle as there’s been quite a bit of rain throughout the night and considerable snow needs to fall for it to settle” says weather analyst Richard Green.” Western suburbs may see more than the eastern side due to it being a little higher”.

Further inland and snow is settling and building quite quickly in places such as Oxford, Darfield and Sheffield.

Heavy snow showers are still expected to fall throughout the day and this snow is forecast to move into Marlborough and the Kaikoura Coast.

Further south and a smattering of snow took hold over parts of east Otago overnight but the focus appears to remain over Mid and North Canterbury today.