Thousands Of Kiwis w/o Power Days After Worst Blizzard In 50 Years - AFP

Thousands of homes remained without power Thursday and helicopters ferried emergency supplies to isolated rural areas in New Zealand four days after the area was hit by a huge snow storm. The snow storm early Monday, described by some as the worst in 50 years, continued to disrupt life in central and eastern parts of the South Island, although no casualties have been reported.

Power companies said Thursday that more than 6,000 homes in the Canterbury region remained without power and some isolated areas were still cut off by snow lying up to a metre deep.

Defence Minister Phil Goff said the army and air force would join relief efforts due to concerns about more snow expected to hit the South Island at the weekend. Initially, army troops would go into remote areas to check roads and assess damage, Goff said. Two air force helicopters would also help in relief work.

Snow is unusual in lowland areas of the South Island and the storm created chaos by knocking out power, phone communications and transport links. The weight of snow also caused some roofs to collapse. The same storm also knocked out power for at least several hours to around 700,000 people in the country's largest city Auckland on Monday.

EDIT

http://www.terradaily.com/2006/060615072048.xdqcxlbo.html

I really should know better than to have kit plugged straight into the mains. :(

There's a lot to said for wood-fuelled heating, though. :D

And by the way, isn't it WAY past your bedtime, DP? :evilgrin:

...hence the slightly drunk all-night session getting my replacement firewall configured :evilgrin:

Now lying in bed with my palmtop wondering if it's worth going to sleep at 6:15 am. probably not, to be honest.

(needless to say, Mrs _P and the fledgeling are visiting friends for a few days)

You can cool off and I can dry out!

Edit: Typical. The moment I post the dozen or so storm warnings they all get lifted :)