Jake Cope from Metservice gives the forecast for the long weekend.
Brilliant lightning strikes are
cracking above Auckland as motorists start a massive exodus out of the city ahead of Easter.
A severe thunderstorm watch stretching from Hamilton to Whangarei, including the Coromandel and parts of the Bay of Plenty, is in force until midnight.
Holidaymakers in the upper North Islandare being warned to take extra care as the thundery deluge hits jam-packed roads.
Drivers are being told to take care travelling on the rain-affected roads this afternoon and evening, and to exercise patience leaving the city.
REMINDER: Extra caution is advised this afternoon as wet weather settles in. Auckland Motorways are currently busy as traffic heads away for the Easter break. Please remember to be patient and drive safely to your holiday destination this long weekend. #SwitchOnToBeSeen.^MF pic.twitter.com/tVJE5dQDBy
— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) April 1, 2021
NZTA said all motorways across Auckland were busy by 3pm and extra caution was advised as the wet weather settled in.
"Please remember to be patient and drive safely to your holiday destination this long weekend," said the transport agency.
