Torrential rain has flooded homes overnight in the Bay of Plenty, sparking evacuations and more than 20 callouts to emergency services.

Emergency and Civil Defence teams were gearing up last night for a weather beating expected to hit within hours.

Skiers and snowboarders have a lot to worry about at the moment as our nation’s ski resorts remain mostly natural snow free.

Evacuated families have begun returning to their homes after flooding in the Nelson region during the weekend.

Four people were killed in an outbreak of tornadoes in Oklahoma today.

A weather presenter on Friday night kicked off the weather segment by telling Northland farmers that good rain is finally on the way this weekend.

He was prepared to steer his boat into any weather, ride his Harley fast and drive his Corvette faster. I never knew the guy, but it's clear he was a legend - and a hoot.

Make the most of the warmth - it won't be long before winter sneaks up on us.

Lake Wakatipu's brimming water level rose no further overnight and dropped slightly today, easing the risk of flooding in Queenstown.

Full-to-the-brim Lake Wakatipu is likely to start dropping back tomorrow, but high winds could still push waves of water into the streets.

Weather analyst Philip Duncan can't believe Aucklanders are being asked to conserve water.