"Southland Farmers - prepare now."
MetService warned driving conditions "may be hazardous" - they were right.
This storm could be deeper than the hurricanes that have recently smashed the US.
Weather: Heavy rain, strong winds to batter country
It's uprooted trees, flooded streets and cut power to hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses.
It could wallop the Mississippi, Alabama and Florida coasts.
Drivers are urged to exercise caution as multiple regions are set to be battered by rain and wind.
One of the fires is moving uphill and the smoke is visible from Queenstown.
And check out what looks like a giant tui crossing over Mt Cook.
