Auckland is on alert as forecast high winds threaten to fan the flames of a fire burning in the central city.
MetService is warning southwest winds of up to 100km/h are on the way, along with showers, hail and thunder.
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"Winds this strong may cause power cuts, make driving more dangerous and in some exposed areas may even cause damage to weak buildings/sheds," forecaster WeatherWatch said in a statement.
Vector has crews on standby to respond to any damage to its network and it is warning residents to put away garden furniture and trampolines.
Meanwhile, firefighters are still trying to put out a blaze burning at the SkyCity International Convention Centre, which has burned through the night.
NIWA Weather said the wind will be changing direction, meaning new parts of the city could be affected by the fire's smoke.
Auckland Regional Public Health has warned people who live or work near the CBD to protect themselves from smoke inhalation.
It said in a tweet people should stay away from the smoke, keep windows closed, shut down external ventilation and see a doctor if the smoke causes shortness of breath or worsening asthma symptoms.
Newshub.
