Auckland is under a state of emergency after being battered by torrential rain, with more than 230 millimetres falling yesterday.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins says up to 1000 people are still stranded at Auckland Airport, and right across the region there are many people just stuck somewhere.

The airport says no domestic or international flights will be arriving or departing before noon today.

On road closures, police say there are a number of closures around the region and surface flooding is making conditions dangerous in many areas, so people should avoid unnecessary travel.

State Highway 1 in Auckland is closed at many points between Warkworth and Waitemata.

Police say there are a large number of motorists stranded in the Warkworth area without food or accommodation.

The new motorway, between Puhoi and Warkworth, has been temporarily opened to divert traffic and help ease heavy congestion.

But police say motorists wanting to travel between Auckland and Northland will not be able to use this diversion.

Auckland mayor Wayne Brown said staff would today be assessing what damage had occurred and what steps needed to be taken next.

Three civil defence centres are open and welcoming people displaced by flooding and storm damage for respite and to assist with welfare needs. These are located in Kelston, at the North Shore Events Centre and at Randwick Park. 

Reports are being received of spontaneous evacuation centres being stood up across the region by members of the public. 

The declaration of state of local emergency comes into force immediately and expires in seven days.

The declaration was signed immediately following formal advice from the Duty Controller of Auckland Emergency Management that it was required.

It enables emergency services and response agencies to access the resources they need and expand their powers to act.

A significant emergency response was under way prior to the declaration being put in place.
 

Civil Defence Centres
These are open and will remain open as long as they are needed. Centres provide respite and access to welfare support. More support options will be added as this response progresses. If attending a civil defence centre, we recommend people bring any essential items they may need, including medication, warm clothing and baby items.
West: St Leonards Road School, 15 St Leonards Road, Kelston
North: Massey University Albany Campus, Sir Neil Waters Lecture Theatre . Access via Main entrance Gate 1*  
South: Manu Tukutuku, 32 Riverton Drive, Randwick Park.
We have shared the locations of these centres on as many channels as we can, and we welcome your help to share them even further.
 * This CDC replaces North Shore Events Centre (Eventfinda Stadium) which is affected by flooding issues and no longer suitable as a centre.