MetService is warning upper North Island residents to brace for severe wind from mid-Sunday afternoon. Photo: MetService
A popular Auckland park will close to the public on Sunday afternoon because of severe winds set to rip through the city.
MetService has issued an orange-level strong wind warning for Auckland, Great Barrier Island, and the Coromandel Peninsula for Sunday afternoon.
It warns of a severe gale southwesterly gusting 120 km/h in exposed places, which may cause damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures.
The managers of Cornwall Park said staff safety was their priority as they prepared to close the gates from 1pm.
The expansive parkland in Epsom would be shut until further notice as MetService was forecasting severe south-westerly winds for nine hours from 3pm to midnight.
Public facilities at the park would also be closed, including the Huia Lodge Discovery Hub, Acacia Cottage, the Bistro, cafe and Creamery.
A statement from Cornwall Park officials said the safety of staff was a high priority.
All facilities would be closed including the toilets.
Cornwall Park in Auckland will be closed to the public tomorrow because of forecasted severe gales. Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King
Auckland Emergency Management was advising Tāmaki Makaurau of the warnings and to prepare for wind to cause damage and disruption, particularly when the ground was very wet and trees became unstable.
A series of fronts embedded in a strong westerly flow would bring west to southwest gales to the country over the weekend.
Thunderstorms and heavy rain were also forecast for Auckland with up to 20 millimetres an hour.
Driving may also be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.
Also for Sunday, MetService has issued a strong wind watch for Northland from 1pm, Waikato north of Te Awamutu from 3pm, Bay of Plenty west of Kawerau from 4pm, Hawke's Bay south of Hastings and the Tararua District from noon, and Southland south of about Gore, Clutha and Dunedin from 10am on Monday.
Meanwhile, a number of road snowfall warnings have also been issued.
Rain was expected to turn to snow on Crown Range Road and Lindis Pass from 5pm on Saturday.
Snow showers had already begun on Milford Road, down to about 700 metres.
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