Rare Snowstorm in Christchurch

Conditions are improving after a rare snowstorm crippled travel in and around the city of Christchurch, New Zealand, leaving thousands without power.

Various reports along with data accessed by Accuweather.com indicate that around 3-6 inches of wet snow fell Wednesday morning local time, causing numerous flight cancellations at Christchurch Airport.

Additionally, TVNZ reports that about 3,000 people are still without power across suburbs of Christchurch.

The strong storm system responsible for the rare event arrived Tuesday evening, bringing gusty winds and rain. Overnight, temperatures plummeted to the freezing point and rain changed over to wet snow.

Snow is rare in Christchurch, according to Accuweather.com meteorologist Eric Wanenchak, with the city averaging "only 1-2 snow events per season."

While the snow cleared out by Wednesday afternoon as the storm system exited, near freezing temperatures will continue to create hazardous travel through the overnight hours as roads again become icy.

Accuweather.com predicts a brief dry spell for Christchurch and the South Island of New Zealand for the next 24 hours, but an additional front could bring in more cold air along with additional snow showers Thursday night and Friday.

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