Marlborough, Nelson and Tasman are bracing for the arrival of Cyclone Gita.

As the ex-tropical cyclone bears down, be prepared, forecasters warn.

The entire population of two islands took shelter in evacuation centres.

Route between Kawakawa and Paihia to stay shut for two weeks.

We can't rule out further tropical cyclones in the third month of the year.

What are tropical cyclones and how do we forecast them? Jamie Morton explains.

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.

Sosiveta Turagaiviu, 17, died after being swept away at the Cascade Falls in Waitakere.

A total of 290 lightening strikes have hit the upper North Island in the past two hours.

Thunderstorms may hit during the Foo Fighters concert in Auckland tonight.

Power out as storm surges in Hokitika / Video by Andrew Thompson

Wellington struggles against wild weather / Video by Mark Mitchell

Footage shows storm aftermath in West coast, Granity. Supplied by Howie Wilson

Remnants of Cyclone Fehi are lashing the west coast of the country with wild weather. / Video by Broadcast Media

Popular restaurant The Boatshed is inundated with water as waves crash over Rocks Rd along Nelson’s waterfront. / Nelson App

The Fire Service is evacuating residents in Mapua using a dinghy belonging to a local. / Nelson App

The last time summer was running this hot, Nazis ran Germany. What's been the difference?

Slim chance of more destruction to the coast when the next king tide comes: Scientist

NZTA lift traffic cordons and convoys from Thames Coast Road.

Thousands are still without power - and one Franklin man isn't happy about the wait.

Shocking video shows houses flooded in Maraetai. Twitter / @AnjaVroegop

Wellington man uses kayak to deliver mail in flood-stricken Thames. Credit: Ciaran Fill

What are the possible scenarios for the ASB Classic after another rain soaked day at the tournament?

Thames-Coast Rd destroyed by waves in monster storm over Coromandel. Credit: Moana Keeley & Patti Clark

The tide has risen above the seawall in Auckland's Point Chevalier during the storm. Twitter / @nzdodo

Huge waves crashed over the breakwater at Port Taranaki, dislodging rocks from the seawall. Credit: Mark Mitchell

Families on the North Shore headed to the beach to see the monster surf up close. YouTube / TubeDinoz

Winds, tides and rain leave a trail of destruction across the North Island as storm continues southward.