Freak local hailstorm occurred at 6:15am on the 12th.

A southerly change was on its way and there was cold air above the city.

The hailstorm affected Wellingtons eastern suburbs of Miramar, Kilbirnie and Lyall Bay.

Hailstones were piled 30 cm high in some places and left a deep white blanket across parts of the city. Areas of hail were still present after two hours.

There was temporary closure of the airport due to icy conditions on the runway.

The hail was the size of a pea with a diameter of 5 mm.

It was heaviest hailstorm in Wellington for 50 years (as stated by an ex-MetService worker).

The hailstorm began to lessen after almost 30 minutes.

The storm was most intense over the airport.

Wellington Airport closed from 6:30am-9:45am on the 12th after a large volume of hail was dumped on runway. More than 1500 Air NZ passengers were affected and more than 35 domestic and international flights were disrupted.