New Zealand braces for severe weather as storm threatens flooding

SYDNEY (Reuters) -Heavy rain and strong winds lashed parts of New Zealand on Friday as a cold front moved east across the country, and authorities warned conditions could worsen over the next 24 hours, triggering floods and landslides. The northern regions of both the South Island and North Island of the country could be severely affected by the wild weather, the country's weather bureau said in its latest update. New Zealand's MetService said the wind would pick up from Friday afternoon, with gusts of up to 120 kph (75 mph) forecast for some regions.