Several roads have been reopened after a "15-to-20 year outbreak" of heavy snow and rain conditions sent a chill around New Zealand. The chilly weather is expected to move north over the country this evening.

Heavy rain, sleet and snow is threatening parts of NZ. Follow developments and read reader reaction from your area.

Weather forecasters say worst of electrical storms over but heavy snow likely in south.

Thunderstorms are set to strike the southwest of the North Island this morning, with tornadoes possible, as one of the biggest storms of the year lashes the country.

Wild weather will continue to lash much of the country over coming days, the Metservice warns. A front is expected to hit the country tonight and tomorrow and the more fronts should bring gales and heavy rain until Wednesday.

The ash cloud from Chile's Mt Puyehue Cordon Caulle volcano has returned to cause more disruption to flights.

A bitterly cold southerly from the Antarctic will sweep up the country this week, bringing snow to all skifields.

A tornado, floods and king tides wreaked havoc across the country yesterday.

Severe gales and heavy downpours chased by bitter-cold southerly winds are expected this weekend.