Weather: High winds at Auckland Harbor Bridge early today

Auckland motorists are being warned of high winds on the Harbor Bridge this morning.

The Waka Kotahi NZ Transportation Agency issued an alert for drivers using State Highway 1 and the bridge at 6.15am

“Please obey the speed signs. Be especially careful, especially if you are in a high-sided vehicle or on a motorcycle.”

The gusts were approaching the 70 km / h mark at first, peaking at 67 km / h at 6.30 a.m. At their peak during the night, the gusts reached 75 km / h.

A passenger on a double-decker bus said she was “nervous” as they crossed the bridge, no less because she was traveling in the left lane, closer to the ocean.

Meteorologist Rob Kerr said it will be windier at lunchtime; when the gusts are expected to reach 80 km / h.

However, overnight it will be the real test, when the gusts will reach 90 km / h between midnight and 3 a.m.

It will be the windiest conditions reported on the bridge since a strut was severely damaged when a truck capsized in abnormal winds of up to 127 km / h just over a week ago, Kerr said.

The damage has been temporarily repaired, but not before Auckland faced several days of traffic chaos in the city; particularly on and around the bridge and via the alternative Western Ring Route.

Yesterday, NZTA senior travel manager Neil Walker said more unstable weather with wind gusts of up to 75 km / h was forecast for this morning, with winds up to 80 km / h on Tuesday.

“The Auckland Harbor Bridge is safe to use despite the damage to the superstructure last Friday.

“However, it is in a vulnerable state until we complete a permanent repair, so we want to do everything we can to protect the bridge and the people who use it. Safety is our top priority.”

Once again, North Shore residents are urged to travel off-peak hours or use public transportation, be it the bus or ferry, to cross the bridge and ease congestion on the bridge.

Auckland residents are waking up to showers this morning. Strong westerly winds are also anticipated, says MetService.

Gusts of up to 48 km / h are also expected. Today a maximum temperature of 16 ° C is expected.

But at 6.30 am, the outside temperature felt more like “three layers” and some kind of windproof garment, MetService said.