New Zealand Hit By Rare Blizzard

Heavy snowfall in New Zealand essentially brought the country to a standstill on Monday, hitting major cities including Wellington and Auckland.

Snow fell in downtown Auckland for the first time in 72 years as the city faced its coldest day on record, according to the New Zealand Herald. The weather and temperatures are slated to get worse in the coming days.

William Neeley, 26, an American living on a farm near the town of Clinton, south-southeast of Dunedin on the south island, said “there’s about a half a foot” of snow.

“We have to dig through the snow to find the carrots” on the farm, he said and adding that “it’s awful.”

On Monday, New Zealand’s WeatherWatch said more than three dozen cities across both islands would likely receive more snow by Tuesday night, although it is unclear how much.

Erick Brenstrom, a weather historian, said the snowfall is a “once in a life time event,” according to the Herald.

Heavy disruptions for travelers, businesses, and schools is expected over the coming day. Many highways are closed down and flights have also been delayed.