More lightning and rain is expected today across the Bay of Plenty and Waikato following hundreds of lightning strikes overnight.

MetService meteorologist Claire O’Connor says the Waikato region had 602 lightning strikes between midnight Tuesday and 8.30am Wednesday morning.

The Bay of Plenty and Rotorua area received 281 lightning strikes during the same period with the strikes landing mostly around Whakatāne and Ōpōtiki.

“Waikato had the most strikes, with more expected this morning and afternoon,” says Claire.

“There is also a moderate risk of heavy rainfalls up to 10mm/h for Waikato."

Claire says Coromandel may experience some lightning later today.

“There is a risk of lightning across Coromandel this morning and afternoon, with heavy rainfalls up to 10mm/h there too.”

SunLive readers are reporting trees down in Ōpōtiki and Waikato following the overnight thunderstorms.

“Thunderstorms are quite gusty. Coromandel is under a Strong Wind Watch from noon to 9pm today, and the westerly to southwesterly wind will be cold.”

Further south, no snow fell overnight on the Desert Road, which remains open.

“We are expecting some snow later today in the afternoon, maybe 10cm of snow above 800m.  There will be lesser snow down to 600m.”

Snow has closed roads in the South Island.

The Milford Road has had 30cm of snow reported, so it is closed, says Claire.

“Lindis Pass and Lewis Pass are both closed due to snow. Other alpine passes  - Arthur’s Pass and Porters Pass on SH73 are ‘chains essential’.”

Snow is down to 500m in the South Island around Twizel and Tekapo, and could go as low as 200m in Southland and Otago.

“For Southland and Otago, strong southwesterlies will ease off and improve tomorrow with a sunnier day expected.”