A multi-vehicle crash has partially closed a section of Auckland’s Southwestern Motorway. Video / Supplied
A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Waikato, Franklin, Hamilton, the Far North and Whangarei, after an evening where multiple cars were damaged in Auckland crashes.
One person has died after crashing into a power pole on one of the North Shore’s busiest roads this afternoon.
Meanwhile, an eveningof rush hour mayhem on Auckland’s roads saw a section of the Southwestern Motorway partially closed after a multi-vehicle crash.
All southbound lanes after the Hillsborough Rd on-ramp were temporarily blocked and motorists warned to expect delays.
A police spokesperson said emergency services attended the fatal accident in Northcote about 4.30pm after a vehicle left Onewa Rd and struck a power pole on Seaview Ave.
“Despite medical assistance being provided at the scene, sadly we can confirm the sole occupant has died,” police said.
“The Serious Crash Unit attended the scene and carried out an examination. Inquiries will be carried out on behalf of the coroner.”
A witness told the Herald the car came from the wrong side of the road and hit a house on one side of Seaview Ave.
“[It went] through the garden of the house and then crashed into the pole.
“It was very loud.”
Traffic gridlock
Earlier, Auckland commuters heading south on the Southern Motorway faced a 27km crawl from the city as the threat of thunderstorms loomed large.
The city is in the firing line for electrical storms and heavy rain during rush hour, with the threat of electrical storms lasting until midnight for the top of the country.
Traffic has been gridlocked from the CBD on the city’s Southern Motorway after all lanes were closed at Papakura to clear debris spilt from the back of a truck.
One lane was reopened at 5pm but the closure left traffic backed up for 27km.
It is currently taking one hour and 50 minutes to travel from Auckland’s city centre to Bombay. The journey normally takes 30 minutes. At one point the trip was up to three hours.
It is also taking more than one hour to travel across Auckland from Te Atatū to Manukau. The trip normally takes 22 minutes.
Drivers on Auckland's motorways are facing hours-long delays during rush hour this evening. Image / Google Maps
Two other motorways – the Southwestern and Northwestern – were also impacted by breakdowns this evening, with vehicles blocking right-hand lanes as motorists headed home from the city.
Just before 7pm a multi-vehicle crash left two southbound lanes blocked on the Southwestern Motorway. The accident happened just after the Hillsborough Rd on-ramp.
Police said they were responding to a crash at 6.35pm involving several cars and while there were no reports of injury it was causing significant congestion.
“Motorists are asked to take alternative routes where possible, or delay travel,” said a spokesperson.
“Motorists are also urged to watch their speed and following distances in the current wet weather.”
A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson said three fire engines were sent to the scene.
“Upon arrival, we found an eight-car crash. However, no people were trapped. We are currently assisting police.”
Some lanes reopened after 7.40pm but one southbound lane remained temporarily closed.
SH20 SOUTHWESTERN MWY - 6:50PM A multi vehicle crash is blocking the right and middle southbound lanes after Hillsborough Rd on-ramp. Pass with care and expect delays until cleared. ^ND pic.twitter.com/Xp89XXYwJa
— NZ Transport Agency - Auckland & Northland (@nztaaklnth) June 10, 2025
Severe thunderstorm warnings
MetService has issued a severe thunderstorm warning in Waikato, Franklin and Hamilton City.
“A line of severe thunderstorms is moving southeast and is expected to lie from Manukau Heads to Port Waikato to Naike by 10pm and from Waiuku to Ruawaro to Gordinton at 10.30pm.”
These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by torrential rain.
Torrential rain can cause surface and/or flash flooding about streams, gullies and urban areas, and make driving conditions extremely hazardous.
🟥Severe Thunderstorm Warnings🟥
Two Severe Thunderstorm Warnings have been issued;
(1) Areas: Far North, Whangarei
This line of severe thunderstorms is moving towards the eastsoutheast, and is expected to lie from CAPE REINGA to MANGONUI to POOR KNIGHTS ISLANDS at 10:00 pm… pic.twitter.com/QKgfOaMWAu
MetService has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Waitomo and Taranaki lasting until midnight.
Forecaster Devlin Lyden told the Herald a solid band of rain and thunderstorms was lying off the west coast of the North Island.
“It is gradually moving towards many of the areas,” he said.
Update: Additional Watches & Warnings 🟡🟠
A Heavy Rain Watch has been issued for the Bay of Plenty. There is a risk of heavy rain, with thunderstorms and localised downpours overnight.
Road Snowfall Warnings have also been issued for Arthurs Pass, Porters Pass, Lindis Pass and… pic.twitter.com/PVPI4JTLi6
Downpours of 25mm/h and 40mm/h are forecast to fall in the targeted regions.
“Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips”, the MetService forecast said.
Lyden said the key band would likely hit during rush hour.
