Weather: Severe weather warnings for upper North Island as heavy rains and flurries arrive

There are severe weather advisories for parts of the North Island, including Auckland, where heavy rains and heavy gusts can cause the harbor bridge to close.

Gusts of up to 100km / h are forecast in exposed parts of Auckland, and things will start to pick up at 1pm and continue until 7pm

MetService is warning people that those winds have the potential to cause damage and some motorists are being told to avoid the bridge today.

“Strong wind gusts could damage trees, power lines and unsafe structures.

“Driving can be dangerous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.”

A heavy rain watch is also looming over Auckland, including Great Barrier Island, with periods of heavy rain forecast from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The public is cautioned that rainfall amounts (45mm to 55mm) may approach “warning criteria”.

Ferry services interrupted

Fullers has issued an alert to ferry users and is asking people to keep an eye on their website and app for updates.

“Please note that due to adverse weather conditions, there may be interruptions in our services.”

The alert is for all services: Auckland City, Bayswater, Beach Haven, Birkenhead, Coromandel, Devonport, Half Moon Bay, Hobsonville Point, Rangitoto Island, Stanley Bay and Waiheke Island.

For Gulf Harbor ferry passengers, a replacement bus service will run today due to bad weather conditions.

Replacement taxis were also provided for previous services.

A maximum temperature of 21 ° C is expected in the city of Sails today and a minimum of 17 ° C during the night.

There are heavy rain warnings for Northland, the Coromandel Peninsula, the Bay of Plenty west of Whakatāne and from Whakatāne eastward, and Westland south of Otirā.

Those in Northland can expect 60mm to 70mm of rain, especially in the east, from 8am to 4pm

Coromandel residents receive 90-120mm of rain from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm; while the people of the Bay of Plenty will suffer steep falls from this afternoon until tomorrow.

“Heavy rains can cause streams and rivers to grow rapidly,” MetService warned.

Surface flooding and slipping are also a possibility, authorities said, and drivers are urged to exercise extreme caution when away from home today.

The gloomy weather is due to a low pressure system that brings an intense period of heavy rain and strong winds to the upper North Island today.

People are warned that downpours can bring 30mm of rain in an hour and that wind gusts can reach 110 km / h.

The western areas of the South Island will also receive “a large dose of rain,” says MetService, with 400mm of rain expected over Westland over a 36-hour period starting at 11am yesterday morning.

Auckland Harbor Bridge may be closed

Transport authorities also warn motorists who often use the Auckland Harbor Bridge to keep an eye out for updates; as the bridge may need to be closed at some point.

Large, high-sided vehicles, including trucks, and motorcyclists are told to avoid the bridge entirely and instead urged to use the alternate routes on state highways 16 and 18.

The Waka Kotahi NZ Transportation Agency is working with MetService to monitor weather conditions throughout the day and will take necessary action if necessary.

Winds of between 80 km / h and 90 km / h are forecast in the area near the bridge from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The gusts are forecast to be even stronger later in the day, with winds expected to reach up to 100 km / h from 1 pm to 8 pm, before subsiding.

Andrea Williamson, Auckland System Manager, said: “We advise motorists to plan ahead and allow extra time for their trips.

“Drive according to conditions, stay in your lane when crossing the bridge, and stay within the speed limit.

“Safety is our priority and we will not hesitate to close the bridge if necessary.”

The announcement comes after abnormal winds on September 18 blew a truck into a bridge strut, causing damage and shutting down the bridge for several days as it was repaired.

A better day in the south

Further south, occasional rains are forecast for Marlborough, not including the Kaikōura coast. The same conditions are expected in Nelson and Buller.

People on the Kaikōura and Canterbury coast will be happy to know that there are good spells on the cards, save for a few scattered showers south of Christchurch at lunchtime.

However, showers are expected in Fiordland and some scattered showers are forecast in Otago and Southland, where there is also the possibility of thunderstorms for Otago this afternoon and evening.

Rain is also expected in Southland and Clutha tonight, while the Chatham Islands will have a mostly cloudy day.