A breakdown on the Southern Motorway on the Takanini straight caused major delays.
Traffic is heavy but moving between Tristram Ave and the Upper Harbour Highway for northbound traffic on the Northern Motorway.
Meanwhile, traffic delays trail back to Manukau from the Alfriston Rd overbridge for southbound traffic on the Southern Motorway.
The Southern and Onehunga railway lines were disrupted temporarily this evening due to a track fault at Penrose - most services are now running to timetable.
Auckland Transport is warning Tamaki Dr could flood around 10pm as a king tide and strong winds batter Auckland.
Tidal flooding is possible between Ngapipi Rd and The Strand, AT asks that motorists allow for extra time and possible diversions if required.
The commuter chaos struck as strong winds and gales hit Auckland as thundery westerlies hit parts of the North Island.
Heading from rush-hour and into this evening gales are expected to reach 100km/h and the Transport Agency asks motorists take extra care in the conditions.
Severe weather watches are in place with strong westerlies expected to spread over the North Island, then slowly ease on Wednesday.
This watch covers the possibility of westerly winds approaching severe gales in exposed parts of Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato and Bay of Plenty west of Te Puke.
There is a moderate risk of thunderstorms from western Waikato down to North Taranaki heading into this afternoon and about South Taranaki and Whanganui later this afternoon and evening.
These thunderstorms are likely to produce localised heavy rain and hail.
Another front is forecast to approach Northland tonight, bringing a moderate risk of thunderstorms to western parts of Northland towards midnight.
These thunderstorms could also produce localised heavy rain and hail, as well as strong wind gusts around 100km/h.
