Forecasts show winds of up to 90km/h are possible on the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Photo: 123rf
New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) is warning Auckland motorists of potential closures on the Harbour Bridge on Friday morning due to strong winds.
Forecasts show winds of up to 90km/h are possible between 6am and 10am.
NZTA says those driving high-sided vehicles and motorcyclists should avoid the bridge and use the Western Ring Route on State Highways 16 and 18.
It said any closures or restrictions would be posted on its social media channels.
"NZTA thanks road users for their patience and understanding," NZTA said in its statement.
Speed limits kick in when winds hit 90km/h, and when gusts reach 110km/h, the bridge could be closed altogether.
No formal weather warnings for Auckland were in place on forecaster MetService's website as of Thursday afternoon.
Elsewhere across New Zealand, there was:
- a thunderstorm watch for Northland from 7am Friday
- a heavy rain watch in Bay of Plenty from noon
- a heavy rain watch in Taranaki from 6pm Thursday, through to Friday afternoon
- a heavy rain warning on Mt Taranaki itself from 9pm Thursday, through to Friday afternoon
- a strong wind warning for Wellington until 6pm Friday
- heavy rain watches and warnings across the top of the South Island
- a heavy rain watch for Dunedin and North Otago from 2pm through until Saturday morning
- and a heavy snow watch from 11pm Friday in Central Otago and Canterbury High Country south of the Rangitata River.
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