Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Flooding and slips in Dome Valley, Puhoi and the Brynderwyns has closed SH1 in both directions.
Police is aware that a large number of motorists are stranded in the Warkworth area without food or accommodation, and are working in conjunction with Auckland Transport to facilitate their travel back home.
We are working to resolve this and get traffic moving as quickly and safely as possible.
The new motorway, between Puhoi and Warkworth, has been temporarily opened to divert traffic and help ease heavy congestion.
This detour is to assist trapped motorists only, beyond this SH1 remains closed.
Motorists wanting to travel between Auckland and Northland will not be able to use this diversion.
Drivers are asked to remain patient while the backlog of traffic clears.
Police continue to respond to a large number of weather-related call-outs and incidents across the wider Auckland area.
Our staff are working with Civil Defence Emergency Management, local councils and other agencies in response.
We urge people to avoid any unnecessary travel.
There are a number of road closures throughout the district and heavy rain and surface flooding is making conditions dangerous in many areas.
If you do not need to travel, stay home and wait it out.
However, if travel is absolutely necessary, check the NZTA’s website for any traffic alerts and please drive carefully and be mindful of the conditions.
For emergency updates on the situation in Auckland visit this link.
Otherwise, stay home and stay safe.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
