![](https://cdn.neighbourly.co.nz/images/cache/user_profile_page_picture/profile/60c66ffb98d512.69804991.png?170410)
Auckland to get more wild weather, as overnight thunderstorm strikes
Aucklanders are waking up to more rain and strong gusts this morning, with showers - some heavy - and possible thunderstorms and hail all featuring on today’s forecast.
A total of 1247 lightning strikes were recorded in the North Island between 8pm and 6am, according to MetService this morning.
Auckland saw 329 lightning strikes, while the Waikato region was described as the “lightning rod” of the north by meteorologist Alec Holden; clocking in 414 strikes in total overnight.
Waka Kotahi is warning for motorists to expect delays on Auckland’s Harbour Bridge “due to ongoing strong wind gusts”.
“[The] Harbour Bridge will be operating with 4 lanes in each direction during this morning’s peak travel period. Expect delays. Take extra care especially if you are in a lighter or high-sided vehicle,” the organisation said
It is also set to be a cold day. MetService is forecasting a temperature high of 14C, while an overnight low of 8C will mean for an extra blanket or two.
Just after 6am, the weather authority reported conditions to be feeling like 13C and that people would need three layers of clothing - including something windproof.
Strong westerly winds are also on the cards. Gusts of up to 56km/h are expected, MetService said.
A sudden cluster of thunderstorms hit the city overnight - about 9pm - bringing in howling winds, heavy rain and hail stones the size of peanut M&Ms.
Loud thunder turned into lightning - at one point, striking the Sky Tower.
Members of the public from various parts of the city took to social media to share photos of giant hail stones and dramatic video footage - including the spectacular moment the Sky Tower was struck.
The hailstorm was reported in suburbs around Auckland - including in Point Chevalier and Mt Albert.
While heavy rain and thunderstorms were also reported in Mt Eden, Onehunga, Titirangi, Massey, Ponsonby and parts of South Auckland.
The size of the hailstones was described by one Mt Albert resident as being “as big as M&Ms”.
“The most intense thunderstorm I’ve ever experienced is rolling over Ponsonby right now,” one local said.
Deputy Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni had a frightening experience as the plane she was travelling on attempted to land at Auckland Airport during the weather event.
“The plane was getting knocked around. Ended up circling for about 45 minutes and then landing safely,” she shared on social media.
========================================================
www.nzherald.co.nz...
========================================================
![](https://cdn.neighbourly.co.nz/bundles/neighbourlystatic/img/default-business.png?170410)
Three lovely black miniature poodle puppies available now
9 weeks old
The breeder is registered with Dogs NZ and we can provide papers for the pups.
The puppies have been vaccinated and wormed.
The puppies are available for sale now.
There are two girls and one boy. We've called them Honey, Heather and Horatio, but of course you can choose your own name.
They are sweet and very bright - they are playful, but also love cuddles.
The puppies are purebred pedigree miniature poodles, and are $2,000
PM me if you are interested and you'd like to come and meet them.
![](https://cdn.neighbourly.co.nz/images/cache/user_profile_profile_picture/organisation/5431e2f56f6da0.99048672.png?170410)
Q&A: Ask a question about...Online Safety
Continuing with Neighbourly's online Q&A with experts in their field, this week we are tackling online safety with Jandy Fiske from Netsafe.
Jandy Fiske has been with Netsafe for nearly 8 years. Starting on their helpline, she's now Netsafe's Community Engagement Advisor. Jandy says: 'I'm passionate about online safety because I strongly oppose bullying and want to support those affected by it.'
Jandy is passionate about protecting vulnerable communities and is promoting online safety to ensure no one falls prey to online scams. She can answer your questions about any type of online scams, and also about online harm such as online bullying.
↓ Ask your question below now and she'll be online on Wednesday, 11th September to reply to you ↓
![Image](https://cdn.neighbourly.co.nz/images/cache/message_max_size/message_images/66d649458ed1d8.20287792.png?170410)
![](https://cdn.neighbourly.co.nz/images/cache/user_profile_page_picture/profile/60c66ffb98d512.69804991.png?170410)
Police are investigating after a bus driver was allegedly punched in the face and "had some teeth knocked" out in Avondale.
Police said it was alerted to the incident at about 10.17am yesterday.
"The driver received facial injuries and was transported to hospital," a spokesperson said.
"Police are making inquiries into the assault to identify those involved."
Tramways Union president Gary Froggatt said the driver was allegedly punched in the face by a passenger.
Froggatt wanted more to be done about "issues like this".
"I realise you can't have a policeman on every bus, but the drivers and the unions seem to be left out of the conversation.
"He's in hospital getting stitches put in his knee. He had his teeth knocked out," he said.
Froggatt said he got "about three or four calls like this" from drivers a month.
"I feel for the family, the drivers should be able to go to work and go home safe."
Auckland Transport said it was aware of the incident and assisting police with their investigation.
Group manager of public transport operations Rachel Cara said the bus operator was ensuring the driver has the support they need.
"We operate over 13,000 bus services every weekday and fortunately the majority of our passengers are amazing, but these isolated incidents are concerning.
"Our bus drivers work tirelessly to keep Aucklanders moving and deserve to feel safe in their place of work.
"We continue to work closely with police, other agencies and communities to improve safety on public transport."
Police urged witnesses to call 105.
===============================================
www.1news.co.nz...
==============================================