Storm Fury: Auckland Harbour Bridge Closed and Thousands Without Power as Gales Batter NZ
By Lions Roar News National Weather Desk
NEW ZEALAND (December 29, 2025) – An intense low-pressure system is lashing much of New Zealand today, triggering a series of emergency closures, power outages, and a dramatic water rescue. From the upper North Island to the West Coast of the South Island, gale-force winds and heavy rain are wreaking havoc on holiday plans and national infrastructure.
🌉 Auckland Harbour Bridge Shut Down
In a rare move, the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has temporarily closed all lanes of the Auckland Harbour Bridge in both directions. Dangerous wind gusts exceeding safety thresholds prompted the closure earlier this afternoon.
- The Situation: High-sided vehicles and motorcycles are particularly at risk.
- Advice: Motorists are urged to delay their journeys or use the Western Ring Route (SH18/SH16) as a detour.
- Duration: The bridge will remain closed until wind gusts subside to safe levels.
💡 Thousands Plunged into Darkness
Utility companies are struggling to keep up with a barrage of outages caused by falling trees and snapped lines.
Current Outage Reports:
- Northland: Over 1,000 customers are without power across Kaiwaka, Maungaturoto, and Mangawhai. In Kauri, trees damaged lines early this morning, affecting hundreds more.
- Central North Island: PowerCo reports outages in Carterton (375 properties) and Horopito (109 properties).
- Restoration: Teams have successfully restored power to Matamata, Te Aroha, and Kennedy Bay, but new faults are appearing as the wind shifts.
🌊 Dramatic Rescue at Leigh
Emergency services were scrambled to Leigh, north of Auckland, around 2:10 PM today after a yachtie ended up in the water. The man had reportedly attempted to reach shore in his tender after becoming worried about his yacht’s mooring lines in the worsening conditions.
While Kawau Coastguard volunteers were unable to reach him due to the dangerous swells, the man managed to get to land safely 10 minutes later. He was treated by ambulance crews for shock but is reported to be in stable condition.
⛈️ Severe Weather Warnings: What to Expect
MetService has upgraded warnings across the country, noting that the winds are coming from an “unusual” southeasterly direction, which may catch sheltered areas off-guard.
- Orange Wind Warnings: In place for Waikato, Taranaki, Manawatū, Coromandel, and the Kapiti Coast. Gusts could reach 120 km/h.
- Heavy Rain Warnings: Up to 130mm of rain is forecast for Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, and the Coromandel Peninsula.
- South Island Watch: Strong wind watches are active for the Marlborough Sounds, Nelson, and the West Coast.
“These southeasterlies accelerate as they move over hills,” warns MetService meteorologist Katie Lyons. “Not everyone will feel the full fury, but those in exposed places should secure all loose objects immediately.”
