A body was found, there were dramatic rescues, homes and roads were inundated, people left stranded across Auckland and Elton John鈥檚 concert canned - again - after flooding across the city described by Mt Roskill MP Michael Wood as 鈥渢he worst he鈥檚 ever seen鈥�.

Mayor Wayne Brown declared a state of local emergency in the Auckland region last night, some time after pleas from Auckland councillors and National Party leader Christopher Luxon.

His decision reflected 鈥渢he extent of damage, displacement and disruption鈥� caused by the weather event, Brown said.

A car was been trapped in flooding on Auckland's Northern Motorway as rising water brought traffic going in both directions to a standstill tonight. Photo / Supplied

In potentially the most serious incident, police were told just before 7.25pm that a body had been seen by a member of the public near Target Rd, Wairau Valley.

Brown confirmed the body was found in floodwaters.

Auckland International Airport was also closed due to flooding.

Flooding at Auckland International Airport tonight. Photo / Supplied

A warning over the rain in the city has been extended to 3am by MetService.

West Auckland MP and deputy Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni urged people who have evacuated their homes to go to St Leonard鈥檚 School in Kelston.

鈥淭here is an evacuation centre open here for whanau who dont have anywhere else to go that have had to evacuate their homes,鈥� she said.

A bus stuck in flood water on Auckland's Great North Rd tonight. Photo / Supplied

There were reports some parts of the region have received a summer鈥檚 worth of rain in a few hours, Auckland Emergency Management鈥檚 duty controller Andrew Clark.

鈥淭hat has resulted in significant flooding.鈥�

Residents at French Bay in Auckland watch on after a slip damaged the Coastguard building. Photo / Meg Liptrot

Queen St turned into a waterway by tonight's flooding, with water washing near business entrances. Photo / Cherie Howie

Stunned residents and visitors across the city posted photos and videos of dramatic scenes tonight, including flooded supermarkets and airport terminals, and rescues from homes and vehicles.

Young people on surfboards take advantage of the floodwaters in Grey Lynn this evening. Photo / Supplied

Some even kept their sense of humour, despite the dire situation.

鈥淗appy holidays Auckland鈥�, tweeted one, noting the region鈥檚 now wrecked long anniversary weekend.

Firefighters use ropes to help rescue residents trapped by flooding Urlich Dr, Ranui. Photo / Hayden Woodward

Swanson Road in West Auckland yesterday. Photo / Supplied

Flooding at Auckland Airport last night, January 27. Photo / Pamela Mills / Twitter