Power cuts possible as high winds expected to hit Auckland

Friday, 12 October 2018

Auckland braces for a night of 110kmh winds.

Aucklanders have been warned of possible power cuts as strong winds are due to hit the city on Friday night.

MetService has issued a high wind warning for Auckland, expecting gusts of up to 110 km/h, while lines company Vector said there was a higher-than-usual likelihood of power cuts as a result.

Chief networks officer Andre Botha said strong wind gusts had the potential to damage power lines either directly, or indirectly by causing vegetation and debris to blow into lines.

'Vector is preparing response teams to respond as quickly as possible to any power outages caused by the high winds,' Botha said.

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'We know losing power is a big inconvenience but we'd like to reassure people that we have crews on standby ready to respond. If there is damage to power lines we may need to de-energise electricity circuits to carry out repairs safety.

'As always, we appreciate everyone's understanding and patience if damage to the network occurs because of the high winds.'

Strong winds have been whipping through the city most of Friday afternoon.

The speed limit on Auckland Harbour Bridge was reduced to 50kmh, as gusts bucked cars and double decker buses alike.

MetService meteorologist Ravi Kandula said winds were expected to die down overnight with no continuation over the weekend.

'Just a spring-type frontal weather system. Not unusual,' he said.

Vector warns people to stay away from damaged electrical equipment and report issues by phoning us 0508 VECTOR.