<p>The city of Auckland was emptying out at midday on Thursday, April 13, as commuters fled home or toward their Easter holiday ahead of the fury of Tropical Cyclone Cook.</p><p>Authorities had earlier discussed an unprecedented closure of the Auckland Harbour Bridge, but that was “less likely” after the Met weather service downgraded wind warnings, New Zealand Transport Authority tweeted</a>. “Some restrictions may yet apply,” it added.</p><p>Auckland Civil Defence and Emergency Management advised people on Thursday</a> to “consider knocking off before noon today to avoid the effects of a wet and windy afternoon” and it seemed many commuters were getting the message. This vision shows traffic queuing at Fanshawe Street, not far from an on-ramp to the Northern Motorway leading to the Auckland Harbour Bridge.</p><br />
