Auckland's first snow in decades

Auckland had its first snowfall in nearly half a century yesterday, with scattered flurries in the central city prompting vigorous debates over the difference between sleet, soft hail and snow. But in the southern parts of the city, there was no doubting the extraordinary event.

People rushed to post pictures and short videos online of light snow falling in Clevedon, Pukekohe and Bombay through the morning. Some even tried to gather enough snow together to create a modest snowman.

The temperature, too, plunged to levels not seen for years. It was reported to be 2.2 degrees Celsius at the top of the 328m high Sky Tower, with wind-chill taking it down to an extraordinary -16.5C.

Down at street level about the middle of the day, MetService said it was 6.7C with a "real feel" of around 2C.

Bob McDavitt of MetService said snow was last reported in Auckland in the 1960s. He said there could be further falls to come on One Tree Hill, the Waitakere Ranges and the Bryndrwyn hills in Rodney.

One south Aucklander said she'd last seen snow on her Bombay property "36 or 37 years ago".

Yesterday the snow arrived around 11am and she said it was amazing.

The wild weather sent a tree crashing through an east Auckland home. Four family members, including two children, were taken to Middlemore hospital with minor injuries.

A man in his 70s was taken to Auckland Hospital after he was blown into a pole in central Auckland, hurting his arm and leg.

About 15 to 20 trees came down around the city and the powerful winds also toppled powerlines and flipped trampolines.

The wind made for difficult driving on Auckland Harbour Bridge, with gusts hitting cars at 80kmh.

The fire service fielded a flurry of weather-related calls, with 40 in one hour.

Counties-Manukau police tweeted that a "dusting of snow" had fallen in the area.

- © Fairfax NZ News