Severe weather continues to affect large parts of the North Island, with four red‑level heavy rain warnings issued for Northland, the Coromandel Peninsula, the Bay of Plenty including Rotorua, and Gisborne from Tolaga Bay northwards.
Orange‑level heavy rain warnings remain in place for Auckland and Great Barrier Island, Gisborne south of Tolaga Bay, Hawke’s Bay, and Tasman west of Mapua.
Ten districts have declared states of emergency, including all six territorial authorities in the Bay of Plenty region.
Police have confirmed a man and his vehicle are missing after being swept into floodwaters near Warkworth in north Auckland, while widespread flooding has disrupted roads, including State Highway 25 west of Whitianga near the 309 Road turnoff.
New Zealand Civil Defence is urging people in affected areas to remain vigilant, have an evacuation plan ready, and follow official advice.
Photos shared by 1News show a bulldozer clearing a slip on the road between Rawhiti and Russell as a result of the weather.
Meanwhile, the police have called off the search today for the missing man who was swept away in his vehicle by floodwaters near Warkworth this morning.
The man is still missing, and police said it would reassess the situation tomorrow in terms of further searching, police said in a statement issued at about 4.53pm.
Earlier today, police said it had been on scene and established further information, after a passenger “was able to exit the vehicle and raise the alarm”.
Motorists intending to use the Auckland Harbour Bridge are being urged to exercise caution, with strong wind conditions forecast that could disrupt traffic.
Gusts of up to 75–80km/h are expected to impact the bridge this evening and into tomorrow morning, increasing the likelihood of temporary lane closures.
According to forecasts, the strongest winds are anticipated between 6pm and 9pm tonight, and again from 7am to 11am on Thursday, coinciding with peak travel periods.
The bridge will operate under a 4×4 traffic configuration during tonight’s evening peak and tomorrow’s morning peak.
Drivers are advised to adjust their driving to the conditions and to monitor electronic motorway message signs, which will provide up‑to‑date information on any lane restrictions or reduced speed limits.
