UPDATED 11.12am: Police have confirmed three people were killed and a fourth has suffered critical injuries after a car and a truck collided on State Highway 1, Desert Rd.

The 7.15am crash occurred at Rangipo, which is in the middle of the Desert Rd, between Turangi and Waiouru.

The truck is thought to have crossed the centre line.

The New Zealand transport agency has closed the Desert Road on State Highway One.

Detours are in place through state highways 46, 47, 4, and 49, it will add an extra 40 minutes to travel time.

Desert Rd is a known to be dangerous for motorists in winter due to the icy and snow conditions.

A Turangi Z petrol station worker says it’s a nice day in the area but the road hasn’t been too busy this morning.

However, there were some confused skiers at the station receiving news that the road was closed and that their journey to the slopes would be diverted through Ohakune National Park.

Police are warning motorists to drive with care in the Central Plateau following additional minor crashes across the centre of the north island.

Police ask drivers to avoid non-essential travel on icy roads, to drive extra slow, and to extend following distances.

Metservice this morning issued a warning for the Desert Rd saying snow showers were expected above 900 metres until around midday Monday and around 1cm of snow could accumulate.

The Automobile Association meanwhile is recommending chains for State Highway 5 between Napier and Taupo.

Driving conditions across the region could remain hazardous for the next 24 hours.