As Wellingtonians bask in a rare balmy August weekend, it's a good time to reflect on the “big snow” that dumped down exactly 11 years ago.

MetService has issued a number of severe weather warnings across the lower North Island.

Blustering winds, pouring rain, impressive snowfall and even a tornado. That was today - and here is what's coming next.

Locals in Levin caught up in this morning's tornado describe what it was like being in the middle of the twister.

12th April 2022 10:00 PM TC Fili formed briefly in the sea around New Caledonia. The image below shows the cyclone track and time line: Ex TC Fili has moved South East and moved onto ...

Gisborne remains cut off this evening - roads are closed all around it - after heavy rain battered the region, causing slips and widespread flooding. The sun was shining for most of the day but slip after slip still covers the roads all over the region. Residents are now bracing for even more downpours. Our reporter Tom Kitchin and camera operator Angus Dreaver took a trip around.

The regions were pummelled by heavy rain and lightning.

The damage to roads in one district is estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

A campsite evacuated and roads closed due to a mixture of flooding, slips in the South Island. Meanwhile flooding has been reported in the Waikato region.