Wild weather is causing havoc across Auckland as strong gusts force the Harbour Bridge to close and cause flight and bus delays.
The weather has also caused power outages across the city.
As wind hammers the city of sails, several flights at Auckland Airport were delayed.
But the transport woes don't stop there, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has closed Auckland Harbour Bridge for the third time due to strong wind gusts. Motorists are urged to detour via SH16/SH18 Western Ring Route.
Auckland Transport said earlier on Saturday buses on the routes affected were being told to pull over and wait. The affected routes were: 82, 923, 95B, 95C, 97B, 97R, NX1 & NX2.
According to the power company Vector, there have also been reports of outages across the east of Auckland.
"There were a few localised outages which occurred this afternoon as a result of the predicted strong winds," Vector said in a statement.
"The areas most impacted were in the western part of the region including: Swanson, Henderson and Helensville.
"Crews have been allocated to each impacted area and are working to get the power restored for those customers as quickly and safely as possible. If conditions do worsen, crews may need to be stood down for safety."
The public are advised to stay well clear of any downed lines, treat them as live at all times, and call 111 if they see any.
"A reminder that if a customer loses power, the fastest way to report it is through the Outage Centre. This shows current and planned power outages and is accessible at vector.co.nz/outages."
MetService said strong winds are beginning to be reported from its weather stations in the upper North Island, with gusts of 90km/h recorded in Auckland.
"A deep low over the Tasman Sea is moving eastwards across the lower North Island today, bringing west to northwest gales and heavy rain or showers," MetService said on Saturday.
The weather forecasting agency has issued multiple weather warnings and watches across the North Island and upper South Island.
An orange strong wind warning has been issued for Hawke's Bay from 6pm Saturday until at least Sunday morning. West to northwest gales are forecast to be severe at times, with gusts reaching 120km/h.
Strong wind watches have also been issued for Waikato, Gisborne, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, Northland, Auckland and Coromandel Peninsula.
Meanwhile, heavy rain is drenching the top of the South Island and central North Island.
An orange heavy rain warning is in force in Tasman until at least 3pm on Saturday. MetService said thunderstorms are possible and residents should expect a further 30-50mm of rain to accumulate about the ranges on top of what has already fallen, with lesser amounts elsewhere.
Heavy rain watches have also been issued for Bay of Plenty, Tongariro National Park and Mt Taranaki.
