The NZ Transport Agency says state highways in the Auckland and Northland region remain open, but it is advising drivers to take care because of continuing strong gusts of wind.
Overnight, a wind gust of 100 kph was recorded on the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
"Even though that's well short of the level when we would close the bridge to all traffic, it was still a pretty strong gust and a reminder of the need to drive with care on exposed sections of highway," says the NZTA's Regional Traffic Operations Manager, Kathryn Musgrave.
The NZTA says care should also be taken on the causeway on the Northwestern Highway (State Highway 16) where the winds and tides could combine to sweep debris on to the highway.
To ensure people reach their destinations safely, the NZTA and its contractors have extra crews on standby to keep highways and roads clear of debris and fallen branches in Auckland and Northland.
"Until the weather settles our advice is to expect the unexpected, particularly when driving in rural areas," Mrs Musgrave says.
