2 Americans, 1 Canadian missing after they planned to climb New Zealand's tallest mountain
Weather conditions will prevent officials from searching for the men until Thursday, according to police, who say they 'hold grave concerns' for the group
Two Americas and a Canadian are missing after leaving to climb Aoraki, the tallest mountain in New Zealand, according to officials.
Americans Kurt Blair, 56, and Carlos Romero, 50, and an unidentified Canadian man were reported overdue after missing their flight on Monday morning, New Zealand Police said in a statement.
"Police have been working with the U.S. and Canadian embassies to inform and support the families of the three men," according to police.
The trio planned an ascent of Aoraki, also known as Mount Cook, located on the South Island. The men planned to climb through the Zurbriggen Ridge, "a classic Mt. Cook climb," according to Climb New Zealand.
On Monday, the search for the men began involving the Department of Conservation Search and Rescue Team and Helicopter Line and Police, but weather conditions will likely prevent officials from continuing to look for the climbers until Thursday.
"However, police will continue to monitor and assess the conditions," police said, adding in an update that they "remain hopeful" they can resume the search when conditions permit. "Police hold grave concerns for the three men."
When did the missing men arrive in New Zealand?
The men arrived to New Zealand at 3:30 p.m. local time on Saturday, Nov. 30, according to police.
The trio planned to summit Mount Cook through the Zurbriggen Ridge, which is rated a Grade IV, according to Climb New Zealand, meaning it involves a "full day of technical climbing," according to Mountain Madness.
The men were supposed to board a plane two days later, at 8:30 local time on Monday, but did not board the flight.
What is the weather like near the Mountain?
There will be a heavy rain warning in several districts near the mountain from 2 p.m. Wednesday into early Thursday morning, according to AccuWeather.
Near the mountains, in the Aoraki area, temperatures are expected to be warmer, forecasted to be high of 68 degrees and low of 50 degrees, according to the weather site. That's because it is summer in the country, located in the Southern Hemisphere, from December to February.
This story will be updated as more information is released.
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