World weatherwatch: Nor'easter whips against US as cyclones slam South Pacific

Havoc as heavy snow affects US east coast, cyclones brush New Zealand and Arctic sea ice melts

Cyclone Hola continued its path south-eastwards across the South Pacific this week, brushing along the northern-most fringes of New Zealand’s North Island. The cyclone, which intensified to category 4, brought with it heavy rain and strong winds in excess of 70mph to communities along the Bay of Plenty and Gisborne as well as to the country’s capital, Auckland. It was the third big storm to strike the country this year.

Related: Third nor'easter storm in two weeks hits New England