Heavy rain floods North Island highway, prompting lane closures and travel delays

A severe rain system moving northward across New Zealand has swamped the Awakino Gorge on State Highway 3, prompting NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi to restrict traffic to one lane with stop-go controls. MetService forecasts further bursts of rain in Auckland, Northland and the Bay of Plenty before conditions improve later in the day. Earlier, a fallen tree blocked State Highway 57 at Aokautere, but the road has since reopened after emergency responders cleared the obstruction.

Additional heavy rain watches are in place for parts of Otago, including Dunedin and Clutha, while a cold front will bring a sharp temperature drop and strong southerly winds. Motorists traveling through the central North Island are advised to allow extra time and monitor updates, especially as snow could affect higher South Island routes tomorrow.