Latest fromWeathering the Storm
![Heavy rain traps family in cave for days, awaiting water to drop before rescue](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Heavy rain traps family in cave for days, awaiting water to drop before rescue
The cave is the fourth biggest known underground ecosystem in the world.
!['Pretty sure he was dead': 4-month-old survives being sucked up and thrown by tornado](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Pretty sure he was dead': 4-month-old survives being sucked up and thrown by tornado
The child’s father tried to grab the bassinet but it was spun up into the twister.
!['Nobody is safe': Earth just experienced the hottest 12 months ever recorded](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Nobody is safe': Earth just experienced the hottest 12 months ever recorded
'The thing that really came screaming out of the data this year was nobody is safe.'
![Record winds whip Western Europe, millions without power in fatal Storm Ciarán](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Record winds whip Western Europe, millions without power in fatal Storm Ciarán
At least seven people died as Storm Ciarán swept through the continent.
![Severe weather warnings and watches for North Island as remnants of Lola sweep in](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Severe weather warnings and watches for North Island as remnants of Lola sweep in
In addition to winds and rain, large waves are also expected to affect eastern coasts.
!['Disappointing': Flood rescue teams pulled back over pay, conditions dispute](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Disappointing': Flood rescue teams pulled back over pay, conditions dispute
Auckland, Northland, Nelson and Whakatāne were without the extra water rescue help.
![Typhoon displaces 12,000 people in the Philippines](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Typhoon displaces 12,000 people in the Philippines
There were no immediate reports of casualties after the typhoon.
![South Korean landslides kill at least seven](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
South Korean landslides kill at least seven
South Korea has been pounded by heavy rains since July 9.
![Watch: Water pours through lights at Middlemore Hospital](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Watch: Water pours through lights at Middlemore Hospital
Severe thunderstorms have lashed the Auckland region causing flooding and damage to property. Video / Supplied
![Severe weather hits the Wellington region](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Severe weather hits the Wellington region
Waves crash onto the shore as wild weather batters the region. Video / Mark Mitchell / Chris Bishop / NIWA
![Wild weather: Furious seas lash coastline - storm-strength gusts, power outages](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Wild weather: Furious seas lash coastline - storm-strength gusts, power outages
Power is off as the latest storm whips up violent winds sending branches and trees flying.
![Paddleboard becomes flying hazard in wild weather](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Paddleboard becomes flying hazard in wild weather
Langer's wife, Karen, said she felt the board whip past her as she jumped off.
![The big freeze: Residents brave cold as temperatures plummet](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The big freeze: Residents brave cold as temperatures plummet
Photos: Kiwis brave icy conditions to capture the perfect snap.
![Autumn's cool change](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Autumn's cool change
The first official weekend of Autumn and the weather is more autumnal thanks to a south to south west change right across the country. It will be cold for some in the deep south – but for those in the upper North Island expect only a slight dip in the temperatures. We update you on the two cyclone risks north of New Zealand and we monitor any potential rain or shower risks for those desperate for rain.
!['You don't know whether to cry or laugh'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'You don't know whether to cry or laugh'
There was just one word to describe 82-year-old Central Otago farmer Rex George after the big snow: "buggered".
![Slow return to normality expected for Otago](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Slow return to normality expected for Otago
Following more than a week of heavy rain, floods and snow, Otago residents are being told to expect a slow return to normality.
![Huge rescue operation underway](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Huge rescue operation underway
Volunteers are urgently needed to help farmers access and feed stock on about 40 stations above 500m throughout Otago.
![Rain giving way to sun](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rain giving way to sun
Another low pressure system another band of rain and more showers are all in the forecast for this weekend – but the overall pattern is for sunnier, drier, weather to move in. Winds will shift more southerly so things will be cool to start with, but sunnier and slightly warmer weather should move in for the start of next week – before the next rain maker in about 7 days.
![Unsettled showery week](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Unsettled showery week
The worst of the rain is over but a strong autumnal weather pattern will replace it, bringing periods of rain and showers to the west coast of both islands, but sunny spells too. For the east conditions will become sunnier – but the week may end windy and cool in the Deep South.