The extreme weather from Cyclone Cook is set to batter most of the country. Here are the latest updates, region by region:
Northland
• The MetService has issued a heavy rain warning for Northland where 110-150mm of rain is expected, especially in the east. Rainfall rates of 30-40mm an hour and thunderstorms possible.
• State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge south of Kaitaia is now open to one lane. State Highway 10 near Kaeo is open again after flooding closed it this morning.
• Kerikeri had 75.8mm of rain in two hours late Wednesday evening, more than half the amount of rain normally received during all of April.
Auckland
• Long queues and full buses as people working in Auckland CBD attempt to leave the city before the storm hits.
• Roads closures in west Auckland include: the intersection of Great North Rd and Clark St in New Lynn and Bethells Beach Rd between Stoney Creek and Duffy Rd.
• Closures in Warkworth: Falls Rd, near the Woodcock Rd end
• Closures in Wellsford: Days Rd, Wayby Station from SH1 to Prictor Rd, Waiteitei Rd from Farmers Lane to Silverhill Rd and Rapson Rd, Waitoki.
• In the south-east: McNicol Rd, Clevedon is open only to residents, Maraetai Coast Rd is closed, East Coast Rd is closed north of Tainui Camp and Kawakawa Coast Rd is open to residents and emergency services only.
• There are a number of rural roads which may be down to one lane or that are open with restrictions.
• Auckland University, AUT and Unitec closed.
• Severe southwest gales are expected this afternoon, including gusts of 120km/h in exposed places.
• 36.4mm of rain is forecast over the remainder of the day.
• All Gulf Harbour ferry services are replaced by bus today because of the weather. All other ferry services are operating.
• Auckland Civil Defence is warning people to postpone travel this afternoon.
• The Auckland Harbour Bridge may be closed or have restrictions put in place if the wind gets too strong.