Drivers of some types of vehicles may not be able to cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge on Thursday because of strong winds.
The NZ Transport Agency says trucks, vans and motorbikes should avoid the bridge and plan to use the Western Ring route on State Highways 16 and 18, because of heavy rain and high winds.
It says wind gusts of between 80 to 90km/h are expected from 8am, which could strengthen from the early afternoon to approach severe gale levels up to 100km/h through until 8pm.
Gale force winds on September 18 blew a shipping container truck sideways into a strut on the bridge, causing serious damage. Major repairs were needed that resulted in traffic disruption for several weeks.
The gust hit as winds suddenly intensified from 60km/h to up to 127km/h in a matter of minutes, MetService said after the crash.
The Transport Agency said it won't hesitate to close the bridge tomorrow, if it is necessary.
"[We] will be closely monitoring the changing weather conditions with Metservice, and will provide updates on social media and our Journey Planner," said Auckland system manager Andrea Williamson.
"We advise motorists to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys. Drive to the conditions, keep within your lane when crossing the bridge and keep to the speed limit."
Northland and the Coromandel Peninsula are also predicted to experience the same strong northeasterlies as the Auckland Region, MetService said.
Wet, windy weather forecast
Heavy rain is expected for many parts of the upper North Island, forecasters have warned. This could cause surface flooding, slips, rapidly rising rivers and streams, and could make driving conditions dangerous.
The wettest areas are expected to be the Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty and Rotorua, which could have up to 120mm of rain in 14 hours from the morning. Northland and Westland could see it fall as heavily as 30mm an hour.
People in Auckland and near the headwaters of the Canterbury Lakes and Rivers have all been warned to expect heavy rain that could approach 50 to 60mm within a 12-hour span.
And Nelson west of Motueka could have up to 50mm of rain adding to what has already fallen.
MetService advised people to keep up to date with the latest warnings.
RNZ
