The Auckland Harbour Bridge has reopened after severe wind gusts saw all lanes temporarily closed during morning rush hour.
The closure lasted for 10 minutes with traffic now able to resume travel across the link but under speed restrictions.
The NZ Transport Agency warned further lane reductions may be needed across the morning.
Earlier, the agency said motorists should delay their journey, with the bridge expected to reopen as soon as the gusts became less severe.
SH1 AKL HBR BRIDGE - 8:25AM
— NZ Transport Agency - Auckland & Northland (@nztaaklnth) October 6, 2025
Due to severe wind gusts all lanes on the Harbour Bridge, in both directions, are temporarily closed. Delay your journey or detour via SH18/SH16 (Western Ring Route). Harbour Bridge lanes will reopen as soon as gusts become less severe. https://t.co/la7kbAK96z
It comes as the chance of thunderstorms across parts of New Zealand has been elevated with MetService recording hundreds of lightning strikes off the coast through the early morning.
A “typical springtime front” is forecast to move through the North Island, bringing heavy rain and strong winds.
MetService said the front has been quickly moving northwards this morning, with 482 lightning strikes observed between 4am and 7am.
The chance of seeing thunderstorms this morning has been upgraded to moderate risk (30-60% likelihood) in Auckland, Northland and the Buller District.
Wairarapa and the South Island’s northeastern coast may also see thunderstorms, with MetService elevating these areas to moderate risk for this afternoon.
Energetic skies ⚡️Thunderstorms are sparking along an active frontal band of rain as it quickly pushes northwards...
Posted by MetService New Zealand on Monday 6 October 2025
“Active thunderstorms can bring bursts of heavy rain and gusty winds,” MetService said.
“Please take care if out on the morning commute.”
Auckland commuters, particularly high-sided vehicles and motorcycles, have been told to take extra care crossing the Harbour Bridge this morning as strong wind gusts batter through Waitematā Harbour.
“Please obey speed signs and maintain a safe following distance,” NZTA wrote on X.
SH1 AKL HBR BRIDGE - 8:00AM
— NZ Transport Agency - Auckland & Northland (@nztaaklnth) October 6, 2025
Due to strong wind gusts extra care is currently required on the Harbour Bridge, especially for high-sided vehicles & motorcycles. Please obey speed signs and maintain a safe following distance. ^NM pic.twitter.com/g3cRxabjtJ
Yesterday, MetService meteorologist Stephen Glassey told the Herald a front would move over the North Island today, bringing rain to most places.
Strong winds are also expected with morning commuters warned to brace for 70km/h gusts in some parts.
“The eastern parts of the country will see a lot less rain, while western places will see a lot more,” Glassey said.
Glassey called it a “typical springtime front”.
He predicted from 8am to 10am would be the wettest part of the day for Auckland.
This week’s forecast is looking pretty unsettled 🌦️ Expect rain & showers, with the South Island in for some especially blustery conditions later in the week. Classic spring rollercoaster weather! 🎢 Best to keep an eye on the forecast so you’re ready for whatever comes your way pic.twitter.com/Axb2WqBNlt
— NIWA Weather (@NiwaWeather) October 5, 2025
“Strong winds would accompany the front when it passed across the North Island.
“We’ve got strong northwesterlies ahead of the front, and behind the front, it changes to strong southwesterlies.
“We could see some gusts of 70km/h across the upper parts of the North Island.”
NZTA has warned that strong wind gusts are likely to threaten the Auckland Harbour Bridge from 3am-9am today.
“Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions and pay attention to electronic message boards on the motorway, which will advise if any lane closures and reduced speed limits are required,” NZTA said.
From Wednesday to Friday, a ridge of high pressure will bring some settled weather and a recovery break to most of the North Island, MetService said.
“Through the latter part of the week, there will be a focus on speed for the South Island, as those northwesterly winds are expected to increase through Thursday and Friday,” MetService said.
Temperatures across multiple regions are set to rise above 20C on Friday.
Napier and Hastings could reach 26C and 28C, respectively.
Whanganui could see a maximum of 23C, Kaikōura 24C and 20C for Gore.
Auckland could see a maximum of 18C tomorrow, 19C on Thursday and 22C on Friday.
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