The worsening conditions also saw some Waitematā Harbour ferries replaced by taxis.
Dome Valley between Warkworth and Wellsford remained closed for a third day after a slip came down across the state highway on Wednesday. Waka Kotahi said due to ongoing slip activity traffic would be diverted around SH16 until further notice.
A severe thunderstorm watch is also in force across Northland from 8pm with a threat of electrical storms with possible damaging wind gusts of more than 110 km/h and destructive tornadoes.
MetService said gusts of this strength could cause structural damage, including toppling trees and power lines, and might make driving hazardous.
Any tornadoes would only affect localised areas, the forecaster said.
The same blustery weather is forecast to hit again tomorrow morning, with severe gales of the same speeds reappearing briefly.
Passing showers will accompany the strong winds on Sunday morning, which will likely bring about another amber alert.
MetService meteorologist Alain Baillie forecast temperatures across the weekend for Auckland are about average for this time of year, but this could be deceptive.
“The strong wind and frequent showers will mean the 15 degrees forecast for Auckland will feel more like 8 or 9 degrees,” Ballie said.
MetService is forecasting showers with thunderstorms and hail possible in the evening.
Waka Kotahi also warned of thunderstorms across the day which could increase the speed of the winds.
“This would need to track very close to the bridge to raise the alert level,” Waka Kotahi said.
Meanwile, a heavy snow watch is in force for Otago, Fiordland and Southland with snow expected to fall down to 100 m from tomorrow afternoon.
