Wild winds cancel Auckland ferries

Gale force winds blowing across Auckland have forced the cancellation of some ferry services and have made driving conditions hazardous.

The winds are expected to ease later this evening.

Showers are tracking in towards the Upper North Island and look likely to move from 4.30pm.

Drivers on the Harbour Bridge have been warned to take extreme care when crossing as gusts could potentially reach 100kmh.

The situation is looking to become far more turbulent in Northland.

WeatherWatch has placed a high risk thunderstorm warning for the top of the North Island.