For the third day ice, winds and bitterly cold temperatures are causing trouble for much of the country.
The end of the polar blast is in sight, but black ice, strong southerlies and severe wind chills could create treacherous conditions for days.
It has finally stopped snowing {wednesday 17th} in Christchurch for the first time since Sunday, but it has been raining on and off overnight – which is both a good, and a bad thing.
Good, because with the rain flowing, it doesn’t give the already melted ice on the road a chance to refreeze, so they aren't too slippery.
But with all the water about, there is a renewed risk of surface flooding – especially as existing snow is now melting, and drains in the city are blocked with silt and sand as a result of the earthquake. The material blocking pipes could even be pushed up to the surface.
Schools closed in Christchurch & Wellington
Thousands of children will stay at home for a third day, with many schools still closed.
Power is still out in some areas and there are problems with staff.
Thirty-one schools in Wellington have their gates shut along with 16 kindergartens, and in Canterbury there are more than 50 schools closed.
The Ministry of Education says some schools may open later today.
People are being advised to contact individual schools or go to their website for up to date information.
After snow, more worries
The Met Service says more snow in Christchurch is unlikely. In North Canterbury snow will fall down to about 300m. Across the South Island, it is expected to reach 4 or 5degC, which is still pretty chilly, and similar conditions are expected tomorrow.
The sun is expected to visit Christchurch on Friday, though that brings with it frost and a whole new set of problems.
If the snow holds off, airports should get back to normal today, as long as ice doesn't settle on the runway. Three weeks ago when the snow fell in Christchurch, it was ice that caused most of the delays.
Queenstown Airport started flying again yesterday for the first time since Sunday.
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