Weather

A man who got stuck in his car during the deadly Buffalo blizzard last week is being hailed as a hero for saving more than a dozen lives.

US National Guard troops have trudged door-to-door in Buffalo in search of additional winter storm victims hit by prolonged power outages.

Summer is here and the hot weather means perfect beach days for Kiwis across the country.

The weather is predicted to be sunny and warm across most of the country going into the New Year as temperatures soar.

The death toll in the New York city of Buffalo has risen to 28, with thousands still without power amid a monster winter storm that has battered North America.

A severe winter storm that has swept across North America has left the city of Buffalo, New York, looking like a war zone, the state governor has said.

Philippine authorities say at least eight people have died after floods and heavy rains, as Christmas celebrations were disrupted for thousands forced to evacuate.

Thunderstorms are forecast for much of the upper North Island this evening.

At least 34 people have died in the US as a severe Arctic freeze continues to grip much of North America.

A large slip has further blocked the southern end of The Terrace in central Wellington.

A MetService forecaster says the country has experienced thousands of lightning strikes in the past few hours.

At least 16 people have died from weather-related car crashes and thousands were stranded due to flight cancellations.

First Person - Millions of North Americans have had their holiday travel frozen by winter storms. RNZ's Megan Whelan, travelling in Canada, is one of them.

Arctic cold extended its grip over much of the United States and Canada, thwarting travel for millions of Americans ahead of the holiday weekend.

The MetService has issued severe thunderstorm watches for Hawke's Bay and the Canterbury Plains.

Hawke's Bay is currently under a severe thunderstorm warning.

Christmas Day is looking to be a lolly scramble of sunshine and thunderstorms, NIWA predicts.

Warmer ocean temperatures mean noticeably balmier water but may also increase humidity and add to uncomfortably hot days and nights.