‘I’ve got an autistic son who didn’t want to get out of the car.'

Extreme weather hits the South Island, data shows decrease in retail spending and Land Search and Rescue asks for help. Video / NZ Herald / George Heard

'Risk of flooding, slips are high. Follow the advice of local authorities' - MetService

It is the first red warning issued for Otago since MetService started the system in 2019.

One person described their actions as “Disappointing but not at all surprising”.

Adventurous Dunedin kayakers have taken to the rising water of the Leith River as the region prepares for a heavy dump of rain. Video / Jared Greenwood

The highest possible weather warning has been issued for Dunedin. Video / Supplied

Snowstorms are also forecast for parts of south. Severe weather alerts are out across NZ.

MetService Severe Weather Warning: October 1st - 3rd. Video / Metservice

Auckland has a cloudy Thursday forecast, but heavy rain is tipped for tomorrow.

A weather system is set to douse New Zealand tomorrow, with more expected in October.

Month's worth of rain to drench Bay of Plenty; snow forecast for south.

Make the most of the fine weather ahead of the next stormy spell to hit midweek.

Israel continues its attack through the Middle East, as governments around the world continue to talk about a ceasefire and tropical storm Helene tears through Florida.

Temperatures are also due to plunge by 15C; bad weather will move north on Friday.

The stunning photos quickly gained attention online.

MetService said damage to trees, power lines, and unsecured structures were possible.

MetService Severe Weather Warning: Monday 23rd September

From 12pm to 3pm, there had been about 6800 lightning strikes over the North Island.

MetService National Weather: September 20th - September 22nd Video / MetService

An unstable westerly flow is expected to bring heavy showers and possible small hail.

Powerful gusts of up to 100 km/h are expected to roar across the north this afternoon.

MetService Severe Weather Warning: Tuesday 17th September Video / MetService

Police search property in hunt for Breanna Muriwai's remains, wild weather hits parts of the country and suspect in Trump assassination attempt appears in court.

MetService Weather: 16th of September - 18th of September. Video / Metservice

'If you must travel, ensure you have snow chains, sleeping bags ... and emergency items.'

Waitomo, Taumarunui, Taupo, Taihape and Taranaki may face the brunt of the rain.

MetService Severe Weather Warning: Friday 13th September.