Wind gusts could close Auckland Harbour Bridge on Friday. (File photo) Photo: MARIKA KHABAZI / RNZ
There may be disruptions on the Auckland Harbour bridge as the country braces for heavy rain and possible thunderstorms over the northern and southern ends of the country.
NZTA warned there could be strong wind gusts across the Auckland Harbour Bridge and was urging motorists to take care and expect delays.
MetService forecast a growingly unstable atmosphere which could increase the risk of thunderstorms affecting Northland, Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, northern Waikato and far western Bay of Plenty ahead of 12pm on Friday.
The thunderstorms were likely to bring localised heavy rainfall of up to 25 mm and strong wind gusts of 80 kph - potentially reaching 90 kph about the top of Northland.
MetService meteorologist, Michael Pawley said motorists should stay on the look out for surface water on the roads.
"Even after the early morning rain, thunderstorms with strong winds are possible over the upper North Island from mid-morning into the afternoon, so take extra care," he said.
Further down the North Island periods of heavy rain were expected across eastern parts of the Bay of Plenty ranges which could approach warning criteria by early afternoon.
Strong winds would ramp up just in time for tonight's All Black's vs South Africa game in Wellington at 7.05 pm.
"Wear a hat with a chinstrap, skip the umbrella, and don't waste time blow-drying or styling your mullet," Pawley said.
Meanwhile only Nelson and Marlborough forecast to escape the rain expected across most of the country - although showers were forecast about the Kaikōura coast later in the evening.
Blustery southwest winds forecast for coastal parts of Southland and the Canterbury High Country were expected to generate large waves initially on the western coasts but later arriving in eastern coastal areas
Further south a cold front - moving northwards - could bring thunderstorms, heavy rain and small hail to southern Fiordland, coastal Southland and Clutha.
MetService was warning the storms could see up to 15 mm of rain falling on affected areas.
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