UPDATED: 10am. Police are warning about driving conditions on the North Island central plateau following this morning's fatal crash where three people were killed.

They died when their car crashed with a truck on the Desert Road this morning. A fourth person is reported to have sustained critical injuries. SH1 Desert Road was closed following the accident.

SH1 Desert Road is closed following a fatal accident. Picture: Gary Sykes.

Police are also being kept busy on central plateau following several minor crashes as motorists make their way to and from work.

While there have been no reported injuries, some vehicles have suffered minor damage.

Police advise driving conditions across the region could remain hazardous for the next 24 hours and are urging motorists to take extra care on the roads. They also ask drivers to assess their local conditions, and if the roads are icy, try to avoid non-essential travel.

A MetService snowfall warning was issued this morning for the Desert Road advising snow showers are expected above 900 metres until around midday Monday; and that a further 1cm or less of snow may accumulate.