WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Residents of New Zealand's capital city Wellington are taking delight in the unusual sight of snowflakes falling in what forecasters are describing as a once-in-a-lifetime event.

Services across the country were disrupted Monday by the snowfalls, which were accompanied by heavy rain and high winds. Mail delivery in many centers was canceled, as were some flights. Some roads were closed and recreational facilities such as libraries and swimming pools were shut in many centers.

Wellington rarely gets snow — the few inches it got Sunday and Monday is the most in at least 30 years — and so people are taking to the streets with cameras and cheers.

Forecasters are predicting the cold snap to continue through Wednesday.