Auckland’s harbour bridge could be closed to traffic as New Zealand’s North Island feels the brunt of Cyclone Cook.

New Zealanders are bracing for a second major storm in just over a week as the remnants of Cyclone Cook bore down on the South Pacific nation.

Civil authorities on Thursday advised people in low-lying areas on the North Island’s Coromandel peninsula to evacuate to higher ground.

The New Zealand Herald described the storm as the worst seen in New Zealand “in generations” and that authorities were considering closing the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

Flooding is already being reported in Auckland as Cyclone Cook moves down the country. Picture: Phil Walter/Getty ImagesSource:Getty Images

Air New Zealand suspended flights from Tauranga Airport and the military placed 500 troops on standby.

The worst of the weather is expected to hit Thursday afternoon through Friday night.

The MetService weather agency predicted rainfall could exceed 100 millimetres in some places. The service predicted winds could gust to 150 kilometres per hour and waves of over five metres would hit the coast.

Last Thursday the remnants of Cyclone Debbie flooded some towns.