A wind warning is in place for Auckland's Harbour Bridge on Wednesday morning as strong gusts threaten to cause major traffic delays.
Strong wind watches are in place for parts of New Zealand on Wednesday, with a strong southwest flow expected to develop over the country.
From 1am to 11am, wind gusts are expected to reach between 70km/h and 85km/h in Auckland and the Harbour Bridge will be under an amber alert, issued by Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA).
Under Waka Kotahi's amber alert, speeds may be reduced and some lanes may close.
NZTA said the bridge will remain in a "four-by-four configuration" during peak hours.
"Expect delays. Take extra care especially if you are in a lighter or high-sided vehicle," Waka Kotahi said.
"Motorists are urged to drive to the conditions, look out for the electronic message boards which will indicate lane closures and reduced speeds, and stay within their lane while travelling across the bridge.
"Drivers of high-sided vehicles and motorcyclists are advised to avoid the Auckland Harbour Bridge and use the western ring route on State Highways 16 and 18."
MetService has also issued a strong wind watch for the same time period. This watch covers Northland south of Kawakawa, Auckland including Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula and Waikato north of Huntly. The forecaster warned southwest winds may approach severe gales in exposed places.
