Weather

Laurent Marsch has been hunkering down in his apartment, as the cyclone leaves the city with significant damage.

Fina battered Darwin with the worst winds since the deadly Cyclone Tracy, tearing down powerlines, trees and damaging buildings.

Australia is bracing as Tropical Cyclone Fina has intensified to a category three system and its winds have begun to be felt in Darwin.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has declared a cyclone warning for Darwin.

While there was wet weather in parts of the country on Friday, forecasters say things should clear up for most at the weekend.

A wind storm on 23 October cut power to tens of thousands of homes, tore off roofs and downed trees and fences.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council has activated its flood room protocols as the region prepares for a downpour.

The regional council now has its flood monitoring protocols in place as it prepares for up to 110mm of rain in the region.

All areas under an orange heavy rain warning received a "decent amount" of it overnight, MetService says.

Heavy rain is causing localised downpours in Bay of Plenty, west of Ōpōtiki - and other parts of the country should expect some too.

MetService has issued heavy rain warnings and watches for some parts of the country this week as a warm air mass brings wet, humid and warm tropical weather.

The National Disaster Risk Management Office is advising people to keep up-to-date with official weather reports and to avoid crossing flooded roads, crossings or walkways.

Heavy rain and thunder hit the Canterbury region, damaging roofs in Timaru and disrupting the races at Riccarton Park.

A severe thunderstorm watch will remain in place until 7pm Friday.

A witness has warned the coroner that more people will be harmed, unless councils set alert levels for rivers. Audio

Water restrictions have begun in Hastings and Napier as consistent dry conditions create record-low aquifer levels in parts of the district.