UPDATED 2.31pm: Contractors have managed to clear a large amount of snow from the Desert Road and it's now open.

Heavy snow and ice forced the closure of the highway this morning between Rangipo and Waiouru.

The New Zealand Transport Agency says contractors will continue to closely monitor the road as more snow is forecast.

Roofs, trees under threat up north

There are reports of a half a roof being blown off a house in Whangarei.

The Fire Service was called out to the property on Otuhi Road about half an hour ago and has since left the scene.

And gale force winds have brought down trees in Whangarei.

The Whangarei District council has been called out to three fallen trees in total.

A council spokesperson says the trees have already been cleared and dealt with.

Meanwhile, the Northern Region Coast Guard is advising boaties to check the marine weather bulletin before heading to the water.

Wild weather brought heavy swells this morning.

Spokesman Ray Burge says while winds have eased they are still expecting winds gusts of 45 knots or 83 kilometres an hour this afternoon.

"We haven't had any calls for assistance, so hopefully everybody's looked at the marine weather before they've decided to either go out and check their vessels on the moorings or go out boating."

Waikato, Coromandel up next

Civil Defence in Waikato and Coromandel is on standby as the region braces itself for severe winds.

The MetService has issued a severe weather watch for the region, winds could reach up to 100 kilometres an hour this afternoon.

Thames Valley Civil Defence Manager Gary Talbot says people should be monitoring TV, radio and social media for updates.

"Our Civil Defence Office is monitoring the weather and that's what we really encourage people to do - stay up to date with the weather."