A violent hail and thunder storm has caused two car crashes and left the ground "white like snow" in Wellington. Police have said the storm after 1:30pm had been the catalyst for two crashes...

Online users visiting the MetService website during this week's polar blast may have contracted a computer virus from malware hidden in online advertisements.

Weather experts are predicting a chilly weekend ahead as an outbreak of cold looks set to move up the country, bringing snow and gales.

Heavy rain, sleet and snow is threatening parts of NZ. Follow developments and read reader reaction from your area.

Weather forecasters say worst of electrical storms over but heavy snow likely in south.

Thunderstorms are expected to batter the lower North Island and upper South Island, farmers near the Manawatu River are being warned to move stock because of flooding fears and survival kits might be needed in Southland.

Snow is causing havoc on the South Island's roads as wild weather continues to batter the country and while the storm is now peaking over the country, some places should brace for another rough 48 hours.

Thunderstorms are set to strike the southwest of the North Island this morning, with tornadoes possible, as one of the biggest storms of the year lashes the country.

Wild weather will continue to lash much of the country over coming days, the Metservice warns. A front is expected to hit the country tonight and tomorrow and the more fronts should bring gales and heavy rain until Wednesday.

The ash cloud from Chile's Mt Puyehue Cordon Caulle volcano has returned to cause more disruption to flights.