Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Police in the Auckland region are continuing to respond to a high number of calls to weather-related incidents after the severe weather yesterday and overnight.
Yesterday evening about 7.30pm, Police responded to a call for service where a man had been found deceased in a flooded culvert in Wairau Valley.
About 12.30am, Police were called to a flooded carpark on Link Drive, also in Wairau Valley, after a report of another man found deceased.
Enquiries into the circumstances of both these deaths are ongoing.
A report was received about 10.15pm that a man had been swept away by floodwaters in Onewhero. A search and rescue team will deploy today to search for the missing man.
And about 7.35pm, Police and other emergency services responded to a call where a landslide had brought down a house on Shore Road, Remuera.
One person remains unaccounted for. The property will be assessed this morning.
Police continue to urge people to stay home and not drive unless absolutely necessary today.
Many roads are closed in the region due to flooding and slips, making it extremely dangerous to be on the roads.
SH1 from Puhoi to Warkworth is completely closed, as is SH16.
Last night, the new stretch of motorway between Puhoi and Warkworth was opened for a brief period to divert traffic and ease heavy congestion.
This detour is no longer in use and Police are asking people not to attempt to travel that way.
The airport is expected to remain closed until at least midday.
We will continue to support lead agencies today as they work to establish the extent of the damage and to assist those in need.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
