Heavy rain warning: Northland records 25mm

Heavy rain has flooded roads and disrupted travel in Northland, although conditions are beginning to ease as the weather system moves southeast across the upper North Island.

Several Northland roads are closed or restricted, while heavy falls and localised downpours are now affecting Auckland, Coromandel and the Bay of Plenty.

Whangārei District Council reported closures on multiple roads, with a blocked culvert suspected to have contributed to the flooding on Whangārei Heads Rd, which is restricted to four-wheel-drive vehicles.

It also warned pavement damage was possible once floodwaters receded, with the road to be inspected when conditions were safe. Flooding has also been reported at Helena Bay, northeast of Whangārei, and across paddocks north of Auckland.

Several of the restrictions were expected to remain in place until at least Sunday while crews waited for floodwaters to subside. Drivers were urged to check road conditions before travelling.