Auckland traffic warning: Three motorway crashes in three hours

Police are warning Auckland drivers to drive to the conditions after three motorway crashes in three hours this afternoon, with a continued risk of thunderstorms.

Northern parts of the region are under a yellow rain watch, with the rest of Auckland facing rain, possibly heavy, clearing to fine spells with isolated showers this evening.

Live traffic data as of 3.30pm indicates heavier traffic on State Highway 1, between Penrose and the city, and on parts of State Highway 20, near Manukau.

Three crashes occurred in quick succession across the motorway network earlier today.

Emergency services were first called to a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 20 southbound, near Cavendish Drive, at about 1pm.

Shortly after, a four-car crash closed several lanes in the Waterview Tunnel nearby at about 1.15pm. No serious injuries have been reported.

A two-car crash northbound on the Southern Motorway, near the Khyber Pass off-ramp was also reported at about 2pm.

The three crashes have now been cleared as of 3.30pm, but police are warning of traffic "building across the network".

"Police are reminding those travelling through Auckland this afternoon to not only drive to the conditions, and slow down, but to allow extra time to arrive safely at your destination."

A spokesperson for NZTA Waka Kotahi said earlier that drivers should be prepared for potentially dangerous road hazards such as flooding, slips, and tree or rock falls.

"It's crucial to drive to the conditions, maintain a safe speed and following distance, and use headlights in poor visibility to ensure they stay safe on the roads."

For Auckland, MetService forecasts: "Rain, possibly heavy, clearing to fine spells with isolated showers this evening. The risk of thunderstorms this afternoon. Strong northeasterlies, gusting 80 km/h in exposed places, turning lighter westerly at night."

A strong wind warning was earlier in place for the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

However, authorities continue to monitor wind threshold levels.

Speeds could be reduced or lanes closed if wind gusts pick up.

"Motorists are urged to drive to the conditions and look out for the electronic message boards which will indicate lane closures or full closures - depending on wind thresholds - and reduced speeds, and stay within their lane while travelling across the bridge."

The strong wind warning for the bridge was in place until 1pm, with lanes previously in a 4x4 formation. Motorists were urged to travel around the harbour, as an alternative, using the Western Ring Route via State Highway 18.