
Monday August 15 2011 - New Zealanders are being urged to stock-up on emergency food and water tonight as the worst winter storm in decades is set to continue. The Antarctic blast, described by MetService as close to a one in 50 year event, has seen roads, schools and airports closed, cut power to thousands of homes and stopped mail deliveries in parts of the country. The storm had also brought snow in places that don't usually see it, including Wellington and Auckland where snow hasn't fallen in more than 30 years. MetService spokesman Bob McDavitt said today was likely to be the coldest day and warned New Zealanders to prepare for more snow over the next few days. "Snow is expected to move offshore during Wednesday," he said. "As the clouds move away and the winds die down, you'll have frost and black ice on Thursday, maybe even moving into Thursday night or Friday in the central areas." The heaviest snowfall was expected between Canterbury and Wairarapa, as well as Manawatu towards Taranaki. The conditions are cold enough to bring snow down to 300 metres, the height of the Sky Tower," McDavitt said. St John regional operations manager for the South Island, Chris Haines, said people should make sure they have stockpiled enough emergency food, water and other essential supplies as a precaution. While in Wellington, Civil Defence manager Rian Van Schalkwyk warned residents to stock up on supplies, in preparation for being trapped indoors. "People should prepare for the <b>...</b>
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