Sky Tower restaurants closed as wind lashes Auckland

Restaurants in the Sky Tower have closed due to ongoing strong winds lashing Auckland.

In a post to Facebook, SkyCity said restaurants including Orbit, The Sugar Club and Skybar have been closed as a precaution.

"[The restaurants] will be closed temporarily due to the high winds and stormy weather baring down on Tāmaki Makaurau," the post reads.

The main observation deck will remain open, SkyCity confirmed.

"Restaurant staff are ringing all booked customers to advise them of the closure and to offer alternative venues within SkyCity.

"We will reassess the situation tomorrow, once the expected high winds have passed through."

Earlier today, MetService issued a strong wind watch for the Auckland region, along with Northland, Coromandel Peninsula and Great Barrier Island.

"Northeast winds may approach severe gale in exposed places. Please note, winds easing in Northland and Auckland earlier Friday morning," MetService said.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand said it responded to a "small number of weather-related call outs across the country since midday".

In Auckland, firefighters responded to 18 incidents relating to high winds downing trees, powerlines, and roofs lifting.

Waka Kotahi said strong wind gusts may affect the Harbour Bridge this evening through until 10am, Friday, April 12.

"Reduced speed limits and lane reductions are possible, while temporary (short-term) full closures may be required if severe winds gust over 90km/h.

"Caution is advised, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcyclists. Lane configuration will remain in 4x4 layout during the evening and morning peak periods. Drive with care and expect some delays during periods of severe gusts."

A severe thunderstorm watch was also issued for Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Bay of Plenty.

"An active front is forecast to move eastwards over northern New Zealand tonight and Friday morning, bringing a period of heavy rain.

"Thunderstorms are also possible, and this watch is an alert to the potential development of severe thunderstorms that could produce localised downpours of 25 to 40 mm/h in Northland, Great Barrier Island, Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty north and west of Tauranga, and eastern Waikato near the ranges.

"Note, these downpours could occur with or without thunderstorms. Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips. Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain."