MetService is warning Auckland may be hit by hail, thunderstorms, and the chance of a small tornado as Waka Kotahi reduces the speed on the Harbour Bridge, with closures possible today.
There is a low risk for severe thunderstorms in both Auckland and Northland, which may produce brief heavy rain, small hail, wind gusts of 90 to 110km/h and a small tornado.
The showers and heavy winds will be consistent throughout the weekend as an unstable southwest flow affects the west coast of New Zealand.
Waka Kotahi has issued an amber alert for this morning between 7am and 11am with wind gusts expected to reach 75 to 80km/h on the bridge.
Under an amber alert, speeds are reduced and some lanes on the bridge may close.
