Challenge of the wild waves

When the storm-driven seas are raging around the Murrays Bay wharf, what better time to go for a swim? Photo / Paul Estcourt

Hurricane-force winds that lifted roof tiles and uprooted trees in the North Island yesterday will ease today, but heavy rain will replace them until midday at least.

Civil Defence issued a severe weather warning yesterday morning for the Auckland region, and said heavy rain was expected to continue until midday today.

Staff had to batten down the hatches on the opening day of the Auckland International Boat Show yesterday. Show spokeswoman Helen Manson said "signs were blowing everywhere ... A few sections were closed and we had to take down a lot of tents."

Power was cut to 13,000 homes north of Auckland when winds downed power lines.

Six flights were cancelled at Kerikeri Airport in the Bay of Islands as easterly winds whipping across the runway made take-off and landing too dangerous.

The MetService warned that strong winds and heavy rain in most of the central and upper North Island would make driving hazardous and swell rivers and streams.

The Far North was the worst-hit area yesterday. At Cape Reinga, winds gusted up to 155km/h, and Weatherwatch head analyst Philip Duncan said the average windspeed of 110km/h was strong enough to uproot trees.

He said yesterday "was not a day to be driving to Cape Reinga. Gusts that strong can blow cars off roads."

He said the hurricane-force winds north of Auckland happened only about twice a year.

In Auckland, the Fire Service reported roof tiles being lifted on houses in St Heliers, and fallen trees across Auckland. A 90km/h north-westerly blew through Auckland harbour, tearing at least one boat from its mooring.

The weather also forced organisers of the Auckland International Boat Show opening and exhibitors function to be postponed until tonight.

Mr Duncan said: "Saturday will be a bit clearer, with just a few showers, and Sunday promises to be good for just about everyone."