Wild weather: Winds reach 100km/hr in Auckland

Auckland’s Harbour Bridge briefly fully closed three times today due to strong winds gusting over 100km/hr.

Waka Kotahi says two lanes are now open in each direction but motorists are advised to expect delays.

Auckland Harbour Bridge was closed briefly after winds of 100km/hr. Photo: Twitter / Waka Kotahi

It closed around 11am for 10 minutes, then shortly after midday before reopening and then closed again.

Speed restrictions were in place on the Auckland Harbour Bridge, and Waka Kotahi was advising drivers in high sided vehicles and motorcyclists to use the alternative SH16 and SH18.

Two lanes in each direction were open and travellers.

The temperature at Auckland Airport weather station dropped from 16C to 11C in the hour to 11.30am.

MetService says the risk of lightening strikes will linger until tomorrow morning.

Aucklanders can expect drier days by Wednesday.

Niwa meteorologist Chris Brandolino told Morning Report winds exceeding 100km/h were expected on Monday, with the strongest gusts between 9am and 3pm.

Isolated power outages could be on the cards.

Niwa said its climate station near the top of the Sky Tower gusted to 101 km/hr.

Early next week there could be a low that would give the upper North Island a round of very active weather, Brandolino said.

MetService issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Waikato, Waitomo, Taranaki, Wanganui, Manawatū, Tararua, Kāpiti-Horowhenua and Wairarapa.