A resident on the tiny Fijian island of Cikobia, thought to be amongst the worst-hit by Cyclone Tomas, tells of massive destruction.

Cyclone Tomas was last evening holding its category four status, with estimated average winds of 170km/h, and gusts of up to 270km/h

Over 18,000 Fijians are in evacuation centres as Cyclone Tomas continues to slam its islands with rain and high winds. Officials say there have been more deaths.

A state of disaster has been declared in cyclone-ravaged Fiji by its prime minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.

A new group of Fijian islands are in the firing line of Cyclone Tomas' fury this morning.

New Zealanders in Fiji are being urged to register with the High Commission in Suva with a category four cyclone set to intensify overnight.

MetService has issued a weather warning for the lower South Island as winds threaten to hit 100km/h in an early winter storm.

The southerly which cut power to Wellington residents last night has moved north but fresh gales are expected in the lower South Island.

A severe weather warning has been issued for the South Island after gales battered Wellington today.

Melbourne is bracing for a second lashing following yesterday's "beast" of a hailstorm.

Muggy nights of up to 100 per cent humidity have swamped the north of NZ since the weekend and look set to continue for a couple more days.

Tropical Cyclone Rene continued to pound Tonga with powerful winds overnight, causing major damage.

The tropics have exploded into action with 3 major cyclones in just a week.

Tonga is being slammed by Cyclone Rene, with powerful winds ripping off roofs, tearing down trees and power lines and cutting communications.