A low is sweeping across the country bringing wild weather, with damaging winds, snow and rain. Here's the essential information by region.
For more details, read our wrap of the day's events, or check our live blog for the latest.
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Northland, Auckland, Coromandel, Waikato
- MetService has predicted severe gales gusting up to 120km/h
- Thunderstorms have hit in Auckland and Northland and between Rotorua and Taupō
Taranaki
- About 12,000 properties affected by power cuts
- A tornado has ripped through Rahotū, northwest of Ōpunake. At least half a dozen houses lost their roofs. An emergency operation centre has been set up at the local school hall.
- At least nine schools have closed near Ōpunake. Contact your school for more information
- At least 10 flights cancelled at New Plymouth Airport
- More than 13,000 lightning strikes have hit the region
Manawatū / Whanganui
- A tornado has ripped through National Park Village, with trees and power lines downed and roofs ripped off houses
- A tornado was also spotted in Tongariro
- Thunderstorms have been striking the region including near Tongariro National Park and Whanganui National Park
Wellington
- Reports of surface flooding around Lower Hutt and in central Wellington city, with lifted or 'dancing' manholes in Te Aro and Kelburn
- Severe gales expected in Wellington, Kāpiti Coast and Wairarapa
- Several Wahine commemoration events have been moved because of the weather
South Island
- Snow down to 400m in several areas
- Severe gales expected in northern parts of Westland, Buller, Marlborough
- State Highway 67, Westport to Karamea closed as winds lifted roofing iron
- Porters Pass closed due to snow
- Police have warned against travel on parts of the West Coast, with extremely high winds having already toppled campervans