Wintry blast eases its icy grip on country

The wintry blast that has caused havoc around the country is easing its icy grip but forecasters warn more of the same is on the way. Strong winds cut power in some centres and halted ferries and flights in the capital as a southerly worked its way up the country, closing roads because of ice, snow, slips and felled trees. More than 500 homes and businesses were still without power in Taranaki ...