Late-night drivers on the Napier-Taupō Rd can expect a touch of snow on their windscreens as they drive along the road this evening.

MetService issued a road snowfall warning on State Highway 5 from 7pm Tuesday until 3am Wednesday.

The forecast is predicting snow showers will affect the road at altitudes above 700m, with 1cm to 2cm potentially accumulating about the higher parts of the road.

Snow flurries may continue in the east through to Wednesday afternoon.

A MetService spokesperson advised motorists to avoid the area if possible, and drive to the conditions.

In a statement on its Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne Facebook page, NZ Transport Agency said snow can cause the road to become slippery and advises all drivers to use their headlights, increase following distances and be prepared for unexpected hazards when driving in the snowy conditions.