But meteorologists are confident the worst has passed.
MetService meteorologist Tui McInnes said by 8am (local time) there were gusts of up to 87km/h on the Harbour Bridge. By midday, wind speeds had eased to 55-60km/h.
"For every hour, you can knock off roughly 5-10km/h from the wind speed. It should get a little lighter in the late afternoon," McInnes said.
However, a strong wind watch remains in place for the country's largest city until 2pm.
A Vector spokeswoman said members of the public should avoid Clemos Lane and Jack Hinton Drive in Albany as the winds had brought down two high voltage power lines and the road was closed for safety.