Storms Batter New Zealand

CHAN: Wild weather continues to hit New Zealand shores this week. Storms are wreaking havoc across the country, especially on the North Island, which is where we'll take a closer look. STORY: Severe gales are battering New Zealand - the third storm in seven days to pound the South Pacific country. High winds whipped up the seas transforming the surf into foam - This was the scene at Hawkes Bay on the North Island, where the beach looked as if it had been covered in soap suds. Thousands of homes are without electricity. Near hurricane force winds brought down power lines, ripped off roof tops and uprooted trees right across the country's two main islands. "We are not allowed to stay here because the roof has been ripped off and we have got no power, no nothing till tomorrow or whatever." "I just got home and it is like World War One. The streets are just chaos." Police are searching for a missing man who was swept away in this swollen creek. The body of a woman, believed to be his partner, was recovered from the same spot. "Indications at this station would say that she's attempted to cross the swollen creek, and been washed down the flood waters." A French snowboarder was lifted to safety after spending a night lost in blizzard conditions on Mount Hutt on the South Island. More storms are expected across New Zealand, with severe weather warnings still in place in many areas.