Severe weather hinders emergency services from responding to calls for assistance.

Cyclone Gita has left a trail of devestation behind in Tonga.

Tropical Cyclone Gita could make landfall in NZ early next week.

Tonga's flagbearer for the Winter Olympics has turned his attention back home.

A moving 'praise and worship' song was sung by a group of Tongans as they await for Cyclone Gita to hit. / Ariana Pupua

A state of emergency has been declared as New Zealand aid agencies gear to help.

Tonga has declared a state of emergency due to Tropical Cyclone Gita. Source: Facebook / Bella Tupou, Tahi Maveni, Mona Palu

People in Tonga are preparing as Tropical Cyclone Gita is due to hit tonight

Sick of the stickiness? Here's where it comes from and why it makes us uncomfortable.

MetService Weather Wellington: February 13th

MetService Weather Auckland: February 13th

Gita - nearing category 4-5 strength - is due to make a direct hit on the island nation.

MetService Severe Weather Update: February 11th - 13th.

Warm, muggy weather will continue this week before Cyclone Gita possibly hits New Zealand

If you are sweating out there, you are not alone.

Sticky, humid conditions are set to continue in much of the country.

Health warnings were issued at dozens of beaches around the city yesterday.

Models are increasingly suggesting NZ may be hit by what's left of Tropical Cyclone Gita.

Heavy rain watches and warnings are in place for much of the country.

A cyclone has caused damage in Samoa

Cyclone Gita is unlikely to hit New Zealand but we'll get heavy rain instead.

The drizzle will continue until the heavens open up again tomorrow.

Rain spreads south to cover the whole country during the weekend.

Severe weather watch: The rain won't be stopping any time soon for Northland.

Severe weather watches are in place for the top of the North Island and will gradually move south before a possibly cyclone arrives next week.