Heavy rain and widespread flooding has hit Auckland, causing significant damage and evacuations. Three Civil Defence Centres have been opened to help those displaced or needing assistance after the severe weather.
What you need to know:
- Fire crews are dealing with more than 1000 calls for assistance
- SH1 is closed in a number of sections in Auckland due to flooding
- The Sir Elton John concert has been cancelled
- Flights are cancelled or diverted
- The New Zealand Defence Force is helping with evacuations
- A local state of emergency has been declared in Auckland
- Heavy rain warnings are in place
Civil Defence Centres
- St. Leonards Road School, 15 Saint Leonards Road, Kelston
- Massey University Albany Campus, Sir Neil Walters Lecture Theatre, Massey University East Precinct, Albany Expressway SH17
- Mana Tukutuku, 32 Riverton Drive, Randwick Park
Friday's live updates are now over.
3:05am - The Civil Defence Centre that had opened at the North Shore Events Centre has been moved to Massey University's Albany Campus.
Those who are displaced or need assistance can access the centre via the main entrance at Gate 1. It is located at Massey University Albany Campus, Sir Neil Walters Lecture Theatre, Massey University East Precinct, Albany Expressway SH17.
Security will be on-site at the North Shore Events Centre to redirect anyone needing assistance.
2:25am - Minister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty and Prime Minister Chris Hipkins have held a standup after the Auckland flooding.
Speaking early on Saturday morning the pair said the Beehive has been active for several hours now providing support to the teams in Auckland coordinating the emergency response.
Hipkins said the Defense Force is working on ensuring that he can get to Auckland.
"Obviously tomorrow, once the sun comes up or at least behind the clouds, we'll actually know a little bit more about what we're dealing with and the true extent of the challenge that is ahead of Auckland," he said.
"The entire public service will be ready to deploy resources once we actually understand what's required and that will mean if we need to, we can send more to Auckland. Of course there's a lot of resources in Auckland and we'll be making sure that we deploy that is the best we can in the first thing."
Hipkins had a message to Aucklanders - please reach out and support others where you can.
"We don't know the true extent of the number of people who may have evacuated," he said.
"In some cases, people will have just left their homes and gone somewhere else that's safe... but my message to everybody really is stay safe."
The latest advice the Government has is that there is somewhere around about 1000 people stranded at the airport, spread between the two terminals.
"I don't know how many of them were on the planes at the time, but it's a big number of people currently stranded at the airport," Hipkins added.
1:50am - MetService says there has been "record-breaking rain" in Auckland.
"Auckland Airport got its average monthly rain for January in less than hour today. It looks like it will be the wettest month on record for Auckland never mind the wettest January on record," it posted to Twitter.
12:50am - Two more Civil Defence Centres have been opened to help those displaced or needing assistance after the severe weather.
One of the new centres has been established at the North Shore Events Centre (Eventfinda Stadium) at 17 Silverfield, Wairau Valley.
The second is at Manu Tukutuku, 32 Riverton Drive, Randwick Park. A third centre was set up earlier on Friday in Kelston.
Auckland Emergency Management duty controller Andrew Clark says this has been a fast-evolving and far-reaching event.
"The flooding we have seen has been widespread and our first responders are working hard to urgently get to those who need assistance," he said.
"If you do need to evacuate, please take care and remember to bring essential items with you, such as warm clothes, medicines and baby items.
"If you are in immediate danger, please call 111 - but please only do so in an emergency so that those in trouble can be prioritised."
Civil Defence Centres
- Saint Leonard's Road School, 15 St. Leonard's Road, Kelston
- North Shore Events Centre / Eventfinda Stadium, 17 Silverfield, Wairau Valley
- Manu Takutaku, 32 Riverton Drive, Randwick Park
12:37am - Minister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty says the Government is stepping up support for people affected by flooding in Auckland.
"Staff from NEMA (National Emergency Management Agency) and the New Zealand Defence Force have been deployed to assist in the response," he said in a statement.
"NEMA has been closely monitoring this event and has activated the National Coordination Centre in the Beehive to coordinate further assistance to the response."
McAnulty urges people to follow authorities' advice and check Auckland Emergency Management for the latest information.
"I'd like to acknowledge all the agencies whose staff are working hard to manage the impacts of this severe weather. Stay safe and call 111 if you or anyone else is in danger," he added.
Auckland Emergency Management has opened a Civil Defence Centre at Saint Leonards Road School, 15 St. Leonards Road, Kelston, to help people who are displaced or need assistance.
Auckland Emergency Management advises that people keep up to date with the latest travel advice by following Auckland Transport on Twitter @AT_TravelAlerts and by checking the Waka Kotahi website.
12:20am - Auckland Airport continues to be impacted by widespread flooding. Due to the damage, no domestic or international flights will arrive or depart before noon on Saturday January 29.
"We encourage travellers to get in touch with their airline or check their airline travel app for the latest information about their flight," a spokesperson said.
"We would like to thank travellers for their patience. Our team is working around the clock to get the airport up and operating again as soon as possible."
12:20am - A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and Rotorua.
"Bands of heavy rain with thunderstorms are expected over the Hunua Range, the Coromandel Peninsula and western Bay of Plenty overnight Friday and early Saturday morning," MetService said.
"Some of these thunderstorms may be severe, producing localised downpours of 25 to 40mm/h and possibly more.
"Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips.
"Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain. Expect downpours to ease from the west Saturday morning."
12:06pm - Here's Waka Kotahi's interview on Newshub Late to share advice as torrential rain, flooding, and slips affect roads.
11:50pm - Prime Minister Chris Hipkins says the Beehive Bunker is being stood up to help with coordinating the emergency response in Auckland.
"I've asked for the frequency of public updates to be increased as soon as possible," he added.
11:45pm - Here's Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown's standup if you missed it:
11:30pm: Mayor Brown has faced further questioning over his communications with the public and handling of the disaster.
"My role isn't to rush out with buckets, it's to be here ensuring that the centre is well-organised and that we are taking the appropriate steps at the appropriate time. Not rushing into them in response to noise outside," Mayor Brown said.
"This is a formal serious business and the effects of it will go on for some time."
11:20PM - Mayor Brown faces questioning over the time it took to declare a local state of emergency. He insists there is a formal process to follow, he couldn't act sooner and has followed expert advice.
11:19pm - Mayor Brown said he was "deeply saddened" to learn a person lost their life in Auckland tonight. He said his thoughts go out to their family.
11:15pm - Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says he declared a local state of emergency "immediately" after receiving advice from the Duty Controller of Auckland Emergency Management that it was required.
"It would not have be appropriate for me to act before that point," he said.
11:13pm - Vector says the flooding has impacted the electricity network with widespread outages, particularly in west Auckland, and it is working to ensure Aucklanders are safe.
"The emergency services have asked us to shut down power in some of the worst-hit areas and homes and businesses will remain de-energised until the flooding subsides and we are confident it is safe to restore the power," it said.
"The flooding has made it difficult for our crews to safely reach some of the outages, including in the Swanson area, and they will be unable to do so until the water has gone, hopefully by the morning.
"We urge everyone to take extreme care, avoid floodwaters and stay well clear of fallen power lines or damaged electrical equipment, and treat them as live at all times.
"People using medical equipment that relies on electricity should let their retailer know if they are without power. If there is an immediate health threat, they should contact their health provider or call 111."
10:45pm - Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has responded to the unfolding disaster that has struck Auckland.
"I'm pleased an emergency declaration has been made due to flooding in Auckland tonight," he tweeted.
"All relevant govt agencies are working flat out to help in an extraordinary set of circumstances. The emergency response is underway and the Government is ready to assist as needed."
10:35pm - Minister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty says now a state of emergency has been declared by Mayor Wayne Brown, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) can now provide additional support and resources from other regions.
"I'm continuing to receive live updates from NEMA, liaising with Auckland-based MPs and updating the Prime Minister as needed," he posted to Twitter.
"As always, the Government is poised to assist if needed. I'd like to acknowledge all the agencies whose staff are working hard to manage the impacts of this event. I know this isn't how Aucklanders wanted to start their anniversary weekend. Stay safe and call 111 if in danger."
10:20pm - Mayor Wayne Brown declared a state of local emergency in the Auckland region.
This comes into force immediately and expires in seven days.
The region has experienced widespread damage from flooding and torrential rain, with reports of slips and inundation. Both infrastructure and emergency services have been overwhelmed by the the storm.
"This declaration reflects the extent of damage, displacement and disruption caused by this evening's severe weather event and enables emergency services and response agencies to draw on resources, and enact additional powers, to assist affected Aucklanders," Brown said in a statement on Friday night.
He urged residents affected by flooding to stay safe and take advice from emergency responders.
"We want to make sure that all residents are kept informed, and emergency services are able to reach those who are most vulnerable and at risk as quickly as possible. Do not put yourself at risk," he said.
10:12pm - A state of emergency will be declared for Auckland, Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson confirmed to Newshub.
10pm - Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown is being urged to declare a state of emergency following severe flooding.
"This will give our brilliant emergency response teams the tools they need to respond," National Party leader Christopher Luxon wrote on Twitter.
"High tide hits after midnight and we need a list of evacuation centres for folk to head to."
Auckland Councillor Richard Hills is also calling for a state of emergency, sharing a photo of the damage.
9:55pm - Auckland Emergency Management has opened a Civil Defence Centre to help people who have been displaced or need assistance.
The centre is open now and is based at Saint Leonards Road School, 15 St. Leonards Road, Kelston.
Auckland Emergency Management's Duty Controller Andrew Clark said the region is expecting the severe weather to continue until the early hours of tomorrow.
"If it is safe to stay home, please do so. If you need to evacuate and can stay with family and friends, please do so in the first instance.
"If you have nowhere to go or are in need of assistance, we have established a Civil Defence Centre at Kelston.
"Please remember to never drive through floodwaters.
"If you do need to evacuate, please take essential items, like medicines, with you."
9:50pm - A body has been found in Wairau Valley on Auckland's North Shore after heavy flooding lashed the area.
"Police were notified at around 7:25pm after the body was seen by a member of the public, near Target Road," a spokesperson said.
"Police will not be in a position to confirm identity until the formal identification process has been completed."
Further updates will be provided when they are available.
9:45pm - Areas of central Auckland are still underwater as the city braces for more rain.
9:30pm - Metservice has issued a red warning for Auckland and advised people to:
- Stay at home if safe to do so.
-Check in with neighbours and community
-Call 111 if emergency but understand there is a high call load at this time.
9:20pm - Auckland Airport has been hard hit by flooding and pictures show parts of the airport underwater.
A number of flights were diverted earlier in the evening due to the weather and on top of that an arriving aircraft damaged runway lighting.
This largely impacted international arrivals and departures and larger aircraft travelling domestically.
9:00pm - Robyn Mackay told Newshub a house has been tipped over by the slip on Shore Road and emergency services are looking for a missing person.
"There were massive landslides as we were leaving. My partner is stuck there."
Fire and Emergency said: "At 7.22pm we received a report that a house had collapsed because of a landslip on Shore Rd in Remuera.
"One person was reported trapped.USAR personnel are in attendance along with two fire crews.
"Neighbouring homes have been evacuated.That’s the only information available – the crews are still there."
8:54pm - A number of houses on Shore Rd in Remuera appear to have been hit by slips.
Police said they have received a number of calls for help from people on the street and there are reports search and rescue has been deployed.
8:45pm - Metservice says over 15cm of rain has fallen in Auckland since 9am this morning, that is close to a record amount of rain.
The record for 9am-9pm is just over 16 cm.
There are still severe thunderstorm and rain warnings in place for much of the upper and central North Island.
8:40pm - A number of Supermarkets in Auckland are flooded, Fresh Collective Alberton in Mt Albert is completely flooded with items floating around the aisles.
Pak'N Save Glenfield also has water swirling around the aisles while many of the shops in the North Shore suburb of Mairangi Bay - including the Countdown - have flooded.
8:34pm - People are abandoning their cars in the floodwaters in Sandringham, while residents are sandbagging their houses.
8:27pm - Aucklanders are being urged to only call 111 if their life is in danger, Fire And Emergency says.
FENZ said fire crews are dealing with over 1000 calls for assistance, many of which are about flooded property.
Crews are prioritising calls where people are in danger and need to be rescued.
Counties Manukau District Manager Brad Mosby says when people phone with non-urgent requests for help with flooding, it stops people who urgently need help from getting through.
He is also strongly urging people to stay home and only drive if the trip is absolutely essential.
Fire and Emergency is working closely with emergency services, police and St John, the NZ Defence Force and Auckland Emergency Management.
8:22pm - Fans appear jovial outside the Elton John concert with a video sent to Newshub showing crowds singing along with police who are guiding traffic.
8:20pm - A Coastguard building in French Bay near Titirangi has been severely damaged by a slip.
8:12pm - The Southern Motorway is now closed from the Market Rd off-ramp northbound due to severe flooding.
8:05pm - Auckland Airport has confirmed an arriving plane damaged its runway. Staff are assessing the damage now.
Read the full statement below:
Auckland Airport currently has reduced runway operations after an arriving aircraft damaged runway lighting. This is largely impacting international arrivals and departures and larger aircraft travelling domestically. Our operational teams have cleared the debris and are now assessing the damage.
We apologise to any travellers impacted. Please contact your airline or check your airline travel app if you are travelling for any flight cancellations or delays.
8:02pm - Newshub has been sent footage of a slip under a house in the central Auckland suburb of Parnell.
7:58pm - Several concert goers have told Newshub they're furious about the Elton John concert being cancelled.
Read the full details here.
7:49pm - Houses on Chilcott Road in Henderson are flooded.
7:42pm - State Highway 1 is closed northbound from Upper Harbour Highway to Oteha Valley Rd and southbound from Greville Rd to Upper Harbour Highway.
7:39pm - Frontier Touring has released a statement about the Elton John concert.
Read the full statement below:
"Auckland, due to unsafe weather conditions, tonight's @eltonofficial concert for Friday 27 January will not be proceeding. The team is assessing things and will keep everyone across with further updates here. Thank you for your understanding."
7:37pm - Huge queues are forming in Auckland Airport as people try to rebook flights after the runway lights were knocked out.
7:28pm - Civic car park has flooded with videos showing water pouring down the stairs.
7:23pm - Flooding is affecting rail services across Auckland.
The Western Line is closed until further noticed and the Eastern Line is cancelled between Britomart and Ōtāhuhu.
The Southern Line is still running between Britomart and Papakura.
7:23pm - MetService has issued a fresh heavy rain watch for Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Taihape, Tararua, Taupo, Wairarapa.
7:22pm - Auckland Transport has issued a statement after the Elton John concert was cancelled.
Here is the full statement:
"Given the weather, tonight's show has been cancelled. Our operations team is working to redirect special event buses to help get people back home from Mt Smart as soon as possible. We're asking for everyone's patience as our team works to get people home safely," AT said.
7:20pm - Auckland Emergency Management has activated its Emergency Coordination Centre and is standing by to support emergency services in Auckland as the city is battered by intense rain.
Duty controller Andrew Clark says it is an evolving situation and they are working with partner agencies to monitor the situation on the ground and to establish what assistance is required.
"Auckland has experienced significant rainfall today and we are hearing reports of flooding in some parts of the region," Clark said.
"We are urging people to be vigilant and if you live in a flood-prone area, be prepared to evacuate.
"If it is safe to do so, stay home but if your life or property is in danger, please call 111 immediately."
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown is urging residents affected by flooding to stay safe and take advice from emergency responders.
"We want to make sure that all residents are kept informed, and emergency services are able to reach those who are most vulnerable and at risk as quickly as possible. Do not put yourself at risk," mayor Brown said.
7:16pm - Newshub understands the runway lights have been knocked out at Auckland Airport and all departures have been delayed or cancelled.
7:10pm - The Elton John concert has been cancelled due to heavy rain and flooding.
One concertgoer said there are lots of wet and unhappy people making their way out of the venue.
7:09pm - The northbound diversion on State Highway 1 and State Highway 12 is now closed because of flooding.
People travelling north are now being diverted at Kaiwaka at the Kaiwaka-Mangawhai turn-off.
Police said it is the diversion route for both northbound and southbound traffic.
The diversion isn't suitable for heavy motor vehicles and police are warning travellers to expect heavy delays.
7:04pm - There is flooding in Taupaki with videos from the area showing brown water swamping paddocks and roads.
6:56pm - Roads in Little Shoal Bay on Auckland's North Shore are flooded.
6:49pm - Fire and Emergency now says it is responding to more than 500 calls for help.
"They are prioritising incidents where life is at immediate risk, and particularly where the disabled or elderly need rescue."
Fire and Emergency Communications Centre Shift Manager Alex Norris said every fire truck in Auckland has been dispatched and there are 14 people answering 111 calls.
People are being urged to only ring 111 if their life is in danger, because the number of non-urgent calls is delaying the response to people who need help the most.
Areas hard hit include Ranui, where there are reports of houses being moved off their foundations, as well as Sunnyvale, Henderson, Birkenhead and Glenfield.
If people have water entering their property but life is not at risk, Norris said they should to do what they can to lift furnishings and possessions without putting themselves at risk.
"Neighbours may also be able to help. But please do not call 111 about flooded property if there is no threat to life or safety."
6:46pm - A number of flights are being diverted at Auckland Airport as severe flooding grips the city.
6:42pm - Dominion Road in Central Auckland is flooded with a photo sent to Newshub showing the water lapping at stores' doors.
6:38pm - There are power outages in the north, south and west of Auckland according to Vector's power outage map.
6:35pm - Newshub reporter Alice Wilkins is on Meadowcroft Way in Henderson where flooding is "up to people's shoulders".
Wilkins said she has seen firefighters going door-to-door on kayaks because the water is so high.
She said most people have been able to make their way out.
"There are still some people on top of their houses but they are okay."She said firefighters are about to head in with a jet ski.
6:30pm - There is flooding in Birkdale on the North Shore with a number of roads affected by the storm.
6:20pm - There is widespread flooding across Auckland tonight causing travel chaos for commuters and people trying to head off for the long weekend.
Over 60mm of rain fell in one hour across the city and there are reports of people having to evacuate houses.
Fire and Emergency says they are swamped with callouts and urge people to only call if it is a genuine emergency.
The Metservice rain radar shows the storm passing across Auckland and the North Island
You can follow the rain radar here
6:15pm - Auckland Civil Defence says it is working with emergency services to establish what help is needed.
"Severe weather is currently affecting the Tāmaki Makaurau region with areas in the north, north west and west of Auckland affected by significant flooding."
Here is Civil Defence's advice:
- If it is safe to, stay home and shelter in place.
- If your life is at risk, dial 111 immediately.
- Check on friends, neighbours and family members – but do not put yourself in danger to do so.
- Do not drive through flood waters & keep off the roads & out of flood zones.
- Listen to the radio for updates.
- If you live in an area prone to flooding, plan to evacuate – make sure you take essential items like medicine with you.
6:15pm - The bad weather doesn't look like ending soon with MetService issuing another thunderstorm warning for Auckland.
"There is significant flooding reported under these lines of thunderstorms that are passing over Auckland."
WeatherWatch says the risk of flooding remains high for Auckland as the sub-tropical fuelled rain continues to move through the North Island.
6:10pm - Stuff are reporting a person is trapped inside a house that has been lifted off its foundations by flodwater in Camphora Rd in Ranui.
5:57pm - Flooding is blocking lanes in both directions on SH1 between Northcote Rd and Esmonde Rd.
6:10pm -
Stuff are reporting a person is trapped inside a house that has been lifted off its foundations by flodwater in Camphora Rd in Ranui
5:53pm - Flooding on State Highway 1 in Auckland is blocking southbound lanes after Greville Rd off-ramp.
5:40pm - A slip has now closed a section of State Highway 1 between SH12 intersection and Waipu, south of the Brynderwyn Hills.
5:30pm - Evacuations are underway in west Auckland as roads and houses become flooded due to the heavy rain lashing the region.
Newshub has received eyewitness reports of people trying to leave flooded homes, while many commuters are stuck waiting for floodwaters to recede from roads.
5:20pm - A house appears to have come loose from its foundations in west Auckland.
5:00pm - Fire crews are responding to over 400 emergency calls in Auckland due to the weather.
Calls where people are in danger are being given priority. People are urged to only call 111 if life or safety is at risk because the volume of calls has been causing delays in answering them.
Every fire truck in Auckland is responding to the priority calls.
If water is entering property, people should do what they can to lift furniture and possessions, without putting themselves at risk. Please do not ring 111 for calls about flooded property if there is no threat to life or safety.
People are also advised to stay off the roads except for essential travel.
4:45pm - Kiwirail has issued an update on travel to the Elton John concert in Auckland tonight.
"The main impact on trains getting people to and from the Elton John concert is the closure of the Southern Line between Otahuhu and Newmarket for Stage 1 of the Rail Network Rebuild (RNR) – which was announced in October and started in December.RNR is a massive project to replace the aging foundations under the tracks in Auckland, which is crucial to enable more reliable commuter services and more frequent trains across the city when the City Rail Link opens. It’s about ensuring Auckland’s existing rail network is up to a modern metro standard, supporting the long-term growth of commuter rail and better public transport for Aucklanders.Stage 1 includes the closure of Penrose Station, which is the closest to Mt Smart. The closure and work began on 26 December, and this section of the Southern Line and the Onehunga Line will remain closed until 19 March.As RNR involves removing the tracks in places and completely turning off the power and the signalling, unfortunately it is not possible to re-open the line for one-off events.More than $1.5 billion is being invested in Auckland’s metro rail network, and over the next few years KiwiRail will be doing a lot of other work across the city – such as progressing rail improvement projects in southern Auckland and general maintenance. Like RNR, the focus is on completing these projects by the time CRL opens so that all Aucklanders can see the benefits from Day-1.This Auckland Anniversary Weekend there are more than 740 people working at more than 30 sites across the Auckland network.There will also be a network-wide closure in Auckland over Waitangi Weekend for works of a similar scale."
4:30pm - the intersection of Pooks and Candia road is flooded and there are unconfirmed reports houses are also flooded. Traffic is at a standstill with one driver telling Newshub she couldn't get home.
Anzac Valley road in Waitakere is also flooded with a truck stuck in the flood waters
4:00 pm - Metservice warns there could be more surface flooding after Auckland recorded 60mm of rain in one hour.
3:40pm - A slip is blocking a major motorway and a fresh thunderstorm watch has been issued for Auckland and Northland as the region is hammered by wild weather.
MetService said bands of heavy rain and embedded thunderstorms are expected to move across Northland and Auckland.
It warned the thunderstorms may be severe producing localised downpours of 25 to 40mm/h.
"Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips," MetService said.
"Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain."
On Friday afternoon Waka Kotahi said a slip near the SH1 and SH12 intersection, south of the Brynderwyn Hills is blocking lanes.
3:00pm - Waka Kotahi urged commuters to take extra care through the area and expect delays.
A heavy rain warning is also in place for Northland, Auckland, the Coromandel Peninsula and the Bay of Plenty west of Whakatane with over 100mm of rain expected in all these areas.
A heavy rain watch is also in place for the Bay of Plenty, Gisborne north of Ruatoria, Tongariro National Park and Wairarapa including the Tararua District, while a strong wind watch is in place for Auckland.
2:45pm - A promoter for Sir Elton John's concert said the event would go ahead "rain or shine". She then said "dangerous winds" could cause cancellation but wouldn't elaborate when asked what would meet that threshold.
2:30pm - Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) issued a warning for Harbour Bridge commuters on Thursday, saying northeast winds are expected to gust 90km/h between 7am and midday on Friday - triggering an "amber" alert.
"From midday - 10pm wind gusts of 90-100km/h are forecast, with a risk of 110km/h, which would signal a red alert," NZTA said.
The transport agency said under an amber alert, speeds would be reduced and lanes may close on the bridge. Under a red alert, the bridge would close entirely.
"Motorists are urged to drive to the conditions, look out for the electronic message boards which will indicate lane closures and reduced speeds, or full bridge closure, and stay within their lane while travelling across the bridge," the agency said.
"The safety of road users is our top priority and we won't hesitate to reduce speeds, close lanes or close the bridge if necessary."
The wild weather is also affecting motorists in Coromandel with multiple roads closed to ensure public safety.
NZTA said State Highway 25A, Tapu-Coroglen and 309 roads are closed while motorists should expect longer travel times using the detour route, which is SH25 around the edge of the peninsula and SH2 via Karangahake Gorge.
MetService has also issued a marine warning of gale force winds for the upper North Island.
The alert warns of "very rough seas" from Brett, the Bay of Islands, and Bream Head to Cape Colville
MetService told Newshub the highest rainfall accumulation recorded so far in Northland was at Kaikohe which has received 81.8mm of rain since 10pm on Thursday evening.
The forecaster said 32mm of that was recorded in one hour between 7- 8am as a "downpour associated with an embedded thunderstorm moved across the area".
Auckland has also been hit by heavy rain, with most of MetService's weather stations recording between 35-45mm since 10pm on Thursday.
Slightly south, two stations in the Coromandel ranges have recorded 69mm and 53.5mm in the same timeframe.
