Strong southwest winds are expected to hit the Bay of Plenty tonight.

A front is moving across the North Island and a severe weather watch for strong winds has been issued.

'Behind this front, strong west to southwest winds will affect the North Island during Wednesday and Thursday,” says the MetService.

'Watches are in force from Northland to Bay of Plenty, and for Hawke's Bay south of Hastings and the Tararua District.

'Also, a cold southwesterly outbreak is expected to bring snow to low levels in the far south on Wednesday and Thursday. The heaviest snowfall is expected in Fiordland, and a Heavy Snow Watch remains in force.”

The MetService is also forecasting snow for the Desert Road.

'Showers should turn to snow above 600 metres this evening.

'Between 6pm Wednesday and 9am Thursday, 4 to 8cm of snow could settle on the road above 900 metres, with lesser amounts down to 600 metres.”

Strong Wind Watch

Area: Bay Of Plenty including Rotorua
Valid: 17 hours from 6pm Wednesday to 11am Thursday
Forecast: Southwest winds should ease later this evening, but are forecast to strengthen again Wednesday evening. During this time, winds could approach severe gale in exposed places.