Auckland's Harbour Bridge briefly fully closed three times today due to strong winds gusting over 100km/hr.
Waka Kotahi says all lanes on the Harbour Bridge have reopened but with speed restrictions and lane reductions in place.
Auckland Harbour Bridge was closed briefly after winds of 100km/hr. Photo: Twitter / Waka Kotahi
It closed around 11am for 10 minutes, then shortly after midday before reopening and then closed again just before 2pm.
Speed restrictions were in place on the Auckland Harbour Bridge, and Waka Kotahi was advising drivers in high sided vehicles and motorcyclists to use the alternative SH16 and SH18.
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The temperature at Auckland Airport weather station dropped from 16C to 11C in the hour to 11.30am.
MetService says the risk of lightening strikes will linger until tomorrow morning.
Aucklanders can expect drier days by Wednesday.
UPDATE 3:50PM
— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) June 13, 2022
And the #SH1 Auckland Harbour Bridge has REOPENED again with speed restrictions and lane reductions in place. If you can avoid travel during this afternoons peak, please do so, as long delays are impacting the Motorway network. ^MF https://t.co/orvXLotNVs
Niwa meteorologist Chris Brandolino told Morning Report winds exceeding 100km/h were expected on Monday, with the strongest gusts between 9am and 3pm.
Isolated power outages could be on the cards.
Niwa said its climate station near the top of the Sky Tower gusted to 101 km/hr.
Incredible footage from the top of the Sky Tower as the latest thunderstorm barrelled through Auckland.
— NIWA Weather (@NiwaWeather) June 12, 2022
Our climate station near the top gusted to 101 km/h. pic.twitter.com/aTi4hiI97h
Early next week there could be a low that would give the upper North Island a round of very active weather, Brandolino said.
MetService issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Waikato, Waitomo, Taranaki, Wanganui, Manawatū, Tararua, Kāpiti-Horowhenua and Wairarapa.
Heads up Aucklanders, expect strong wind gusts today.
— NIWA Weather (@NiwaWeather) June 12, 2022
Our modelling indicates that from mid-morning through to late-afternoon gusts will be highest.
Be extra careful driving, especially over bridges, and particularly, high sided vehicles or motorcycles ️.
100+ km/h pic.twitter.com/EmM8W66a9u
