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.
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Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.6% Yes
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14.7% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below
Meditation Introductory
A four-part progressive course introducing the essentials of meditation and a wide canvas of differing methods to get you underway. The accent is on guided practice, with several progressive meditations each evening.
Guest teacher Jogyata spent many years under the guidance of the late Indian spiritual master Sri Chinmoy, and brings a wealth of practical experience, personal stories and insights to share. His w/shops are known for their encouragement, inspiration and simplicity.
When: Consecutive Tues Nov 26; Dec 3, 10, 17;
7pm – 8:30pm
Where: 89 Dominion Rd, Mt Eden. Cnr of the Dominion Rd/Tawari Street.
Registration is encouraged to ensure seating space – simply text your name/contact details to Jogyata: 0221887432.
RE: Hosting a FREE inspirational talk by Harita Davies
Kia Ora
I would like to introduce you to Harita Davies, our national record holder in 3100-Mile race.
Harita is the only New Zealand woman to ever attempt and complete the world's longest certified running race, the 3100-Mile race (94km for 52 days and 28 pairs of running shoes!) The Self-Transcendence 3,100-Mile Race, described as “The Mount Everest of Ultramarathons” by the New York Times, requires competitors to maintain an average of 60 miles a day, amounting to over two marathons every day for 52 days!
Each year, contestants are drawn to the 3100-mile ultra for often inner reasons. Testing their physical and mental limits, with a curiosity about human potential itself. The race promises personal growth and self-discovery. Participants come from around the world to shatter their perceived limitations and discover a deeper sense of self. Only six women have ever completed the 3100-mile distance since its inception in 1997.
Please listen to Harita's many interviews with RNZ - www.rnz.co.nz...
Watch a trailer about the award-winning documentary covering the 3100 Mile Race -
www.youtube.com...
Accompanying her will be Preetidutta Thorpe, ultra marathon runner and a former Olympic-level contender in sailing who has just completed the Everest Marathon last year.
For Harita, meditation is the ultimate game changer in her running. This holistic approach cultivates peak performance and nurtures a deeper sense of well-being, She believes that caring for our own sense of peace is one of the most powerful contributions we can make to creating a better and more peaceful world.
Kindly get in touch if you would like to have Harita talk to your school/class about her experience and share a few simple practical meditation techniques to cope with stress, improve focus and cultivate resilience. The duration and depth of the subject matter can be tailored to suit.
Harita, now living in the US, and will be back in Auckland on Wednesday 12 February.
I look forward to the opportunity to discuss any possibilities for inspiring your school community to take the first step.
Warmest regards,
Durba Lee Preetidutta Thorpe
Mobile: 0220 653 719 Mobile: 0220 814 727
Sri Chinmoy Centre