Weather

It seems winter isn't done with the country yet with heavy rain and wind on the way.

Two Northland fishermen say they couldn't believe their eyes.

Swells generated by Erin are expected to affect the Bahamas, Bermuda the US east coast and Atlantic Canada.

A number of Cook Strait ferry sailings have been cancelled while road snowfall warnings have been issued across both the South and North islands.

Historically, when La Niña is driving weather behaviour New Zealand has experienced 'heat domes' over the south-east but there's also a possibility of heavy rainfall. Audio

State Highway Eight between Fairlie and Lake Pukaki in the Mackenzie Basin has been closed tonight because of snow.

The agency revealed the changes at today's inquest into 2023's deadly storms, with hearings currently in the Auckland phase.

MetService also said there was moderate risk of thunderstorms, with Bay of Plenty expected to be hit by heavy rain during the commute home.

The Transport Agency is warning motorists to prepare for disruption with snow already falling in some places, and frost and ice likely in coming days.

Contractors have been working to fix more than 780 faults across the road network caused by the storms in June and July.

Low temperatures are forecast for all except regions in the far north this week, but when will this icy winter end? Video

Strong wings and large swells have forced a number of Cook Strait ferry cancellations.

State Highway 1 through Desert Road in the central North Island is closed due to snow.

The North Island's Desert Road - State Highway 1 - is closed because of snow.

MetService said a series of cold fronts would see temperatures drop on Friday, heralding the return of widespread frosts.