A polar vortex has led to snow and thunderstorm watches being issued for much of the motu by MetService today, as a chilly blast springs into action.
This afternoon severe wind gusts closed lanes on the Auckland Harbour Bridge, with NZTA saying lanes will remain in 4×4 formation for the rush hour commute.
Drivers are warned to expect reduced speeds, lane reductions and possible temporary full closures.
Hail has been reported in Milford on Auckland’s North Shore, and in Snells Beach, north of the city.
MetService has issued an orange strong wind warning for Northland south of Whangārei, Auckland, Great Barrier Island, and Coromandel Peninsula north of Hot Water Beach
Much of the country has felt the effects of a blast of cold weathers (Source: Supplied)
In the North Island, a heavy snow watch is in place for Taihape, as well as road snowfall warnings for the Desert Rd and SH5 from Napier to Taupō this afternoon.
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There is a severe thunderstorm warning for Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula until 9pm.
“Squally thunderstorms in a strong southwesterly flow may bring damaging wind gusts this afternoon and evening for the south of Northland, Auckland and Coromandel Peninsula,” MetService said.
“Wind gusts of this strength can cause some structural damage, including trees and power lines, and may make driving hazardous.”
Snow down south
The South Island is also in for a freezing day more reminiscent of mid-winter.
Fiordland, Southland, southern Otago and Stewart Island were all under a heavy snow warning which has since been lifted.
Road snowfall warnings are in place for many roads in the South Island, including Milford Rd, Crown Range Rd, Lindis Pass, Dunedin to Waitati Highway, Haast Pass, Porters, Arthur’s and Lewis Pass.
A section of SH8 between Burkes Pass between Fairlie and Tekapo was closed due to snow and ice but has now reopened.
Matarua to Clinton (SH93) and Lindis Pass were also closed due to heavy snowfall but have since reopened.
