Police ask motorists travelling in the central Manawatu including Palmerston North please drive in a manner appropriate to the poor weather conditions.

Patrols report heavy squalls of rain are passing through the region resulting in limited visbility.

Drivers should reduce their speed, extend their following distances and otherwise remain aware of periods of heavy rain which are likely to surface flooding on the roads.

A weather warning is in place for the lower North Island which idicates strong winds could prevail for much of this afternoon which may also add to the condictions that motorists can expect to experience.

Source: New Zealand Police.