The storm that many Aucklanders doubted was even arriving – arrived with force last night.

Aucklanders woke to a sunny, calm morning but by evening gales, thunder and torrential downpours moved in.

Winds gusting 154km/h blasted the Manukau Heads while gusts to 120km/h affected metropolitan Auckland all night.

Powercuts were widespread across the city affecting over 25 suburbs and regions.

Trees came down, roof tiles lifted, barns were damaged and powerlines came down.

At one stage winds reached hurricane force on the Manukau Heads for almost 20 minutes solidly.

Today Aucklanders can expect more gales, severe at times.

The windy weather isn’t expected to ease until at least Wednesday although the severe gales should ease today.

– Homepage image, file, gales in Auckland – www.mandenomoments.com

Gale force – 62km/h sustained for 10 minutes.

Severe Gale (also commonly known as hurricane force) is 120km/h sustained for 10 minutes.

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