Closures or lower speed limits could hit the Auckland Harbour Bridge today, with gusts of just over 90km/h possible.
In a bulletin released by the NZTA, motorists were advised to “drive to the conditions and pay attention to electronic message boards”.
Gusts of 75-85km/h are possible until midday, and from midday until 2pm they could top out at just over 90km/h.
“When wind gusts reach 90km/h, we close all lanes because it’s unsafe for any vehicle to be on the bridge and the bridge structure is vulnerable to vehicle impacts,” the agency said.
Trees downed by wind at Albert Park
Meanwhile, cordons are in place in the central city after multiple trees were downed by strong winds at Albert Park.
Toppled tree branches were strewn over Wellesley St and on top of a bus stop as Fire and Emergency NZ crews redirected traffic.
Fire and Emergency were in contact with Auckland Transport to arrange buses being redirected away from the main arterial road.
An arborist at the scene told 1News the area would remain cordoned off as another tree was rotten and was also likely come down in the wind.
The weather has caused disruptions across the country. In particular, parts of the South Island have been hit by overnight snow.
The morning’s headlines in 90 seconds, including Labour’s new tax policy, heavy snow closes roads, and the King gets heckled. (Source: 1News)
