NZ Historic Weather Events Catalogue
February-March 2004 North Island Ex-tropical Cyclone Ivy
(
2004-02-27
)
100 years
Ex-tropical Cyclone Ivy brought high rainfall, flooding and high winds to much of the North Island. Flooding in Waikato rivers caused evacuations and extensive damage to roads and property. In Auckland, high winds caused power cuts and sank boats.
North Island
Multi Hazard
Duration: 4 days - From 28th February to 2nd March.
A deep low over the Tasman Sea moved slowly south-eastwards, crossing the South Island on the night of the 28th. Its associated front was preceded by a very moist, strong northerly flow. The front moved slowly across central and northern New Zealand and linked up with the remains of Tropical Cyclone Ivy, which moved rapidly south-south-east passing just east of East Cape early on the afternoon of the 29th. The presence of Cyclone Ivy ensured very humid tropical air was brought down onto the country.
Two deep depressions converged on New Zealand. On the 28th, the effects of the first one were being felt in terms of heavy rain and strong winds in the northern North Island as it approached from the Tasman Sea from the south-west. The second depression consisted of the remnants of Tropical Cyclone Ivy. It was expected to pass just east of the North Island on the 29th.
North Island motorists were warned to stay home on the 29th, with flooding and slips closing roads across the island. Bridges were washed out and 13 roads around North Island were closed, including State Highway 1 between Taupo and Turangi.
Heavy Rain
Rainfall totalling more than 100 mm (10.0 cm) fell in parts of Northland, Coromandel, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, King Country and Taranaki.
Northland
Heavy Rain
at
Northland
Parts of Northland received up to 200 mm (20.0 cm) of rain in two days.
Flooding
Significant flooding occurred in Northland.
State Highway 1 was closed south of Kaitaia by flooding on the 28th.
Multi Hazard
at
Motukawanui Island
Eight people from a yacht were stranded on Motukawanui Island, off Matauri Bay, while Cyclone Ivy passed.
Auckland
Flooding
at
Auckland
Surface flooding occurred around Auckland.
High Wind / Gust
Trees were blown down.
Auckland City Council cancelled a number of events on the 28th, including the International Cultural Festival at Potters Park in Mt Eden, the Kantuna Salsa Festival at Tahaki Reserve and music in the park events at the Domain Band Rotunda.
Bad weather left about 3,000 Auckland homes without power on the 28th. Power was restored by the morning of the 9th. About 2000 homes in South Auckland lost power.
Auckland had winds of up to 40 knots (74 km/hr) on the 28th.
High Wind / Gust
at
Clevedon
About 300 homes in Clevedon were without electricity on the morning of the 28th, but it was restored in the afternoon.
High Wind / Gust
at
Hobson Bay
At least three boats went down in Hobson Bay and another three broke from their moorings on the 28th.
High Wind / Gust
at
Mangere East
Residents in Mangere East were without power on the morning of the 28th due to faults.
High Wind / Gust
at
Okahu Bay
A boat sank in Okahu Bay on the 29th.
High Wind / Gust
at
Takaknini
800 residents were without power in Takanini after a power pole was hit by a car.
High Wind / Gust
at
Waiwera
Power was cut in Waiwera. Power had been restored to about 80 per cent of the customers by the afternoon, with 150 still without power.
High Wind / Gust
at
Whangaparaoa
Winds were up to 58 knots (107 km/hr) off the Whangaparaoa peninsula on the 28th.
Waikato
Multi Hazard
at
Waikato
Road damage and closures were extensive across some parts of the Otorohanga, Waikato and Waitomo districts.
Extensive damage was done to roads in the Otorohanga District. Five roads remained closed on the 3rd.
State Highway 3 near Otorohanga and through the Awakino Gorge was closed. State Highway 4 to Taumarunui was closed. State Highway 31 to Kawhia was closed.
Severe roading damage occurred in the Waitomo District.
Damage in the Waikato totalled $4 million ($4,600,000 2008 dollars).
Flood damage costs to Environment Waikato (for repairs to Tongariro River, Tauranga-Taupo River and Waipa River) were estimated at $2 million ($2,300,000 2008 dollars).
Flood damage costs to Otorohanga District Council roads were estimated at $0.4 million ($460,000 2008 dollars).
Flood damage costs to Waitomo District Council roads were estimated at $0.008 million ($9000 2008 dollars).
Flood damage costs to Taupo District Council (for repairs to stormwater and sewage pumps and local roads) were estimated at $0.05 million ($58,000 2008 dollars).
Flood damage costs to Waipa District Council roads were estimated at $0.2 million ($230,000 2008 dollars).
Flood damage costs to State Highways 1 and 3 were estimated at $0.2 million ($230,000 2008 dollars).
Heavy Rain
The heaviest rain fell in the upper reaches of the Tongariro and Waipa Rivers, where intensities reached 27 mm/hr (2.7 cm/hr).
Flooding
From 11pm on the 28th, there was significant flooding caused by swollen rivers at the southern end of the Lake Taupo catchment area feeding into the Tongariro River.
State Highway 1 was closed from Taupo to Turangi.
The flow in the Tongariro and Upper Waipa Rivers had a Return Period of about 100 years.
The flow in the Lower Waikato River had a Return Period of only 20 years.
Estimated Return Periods ranged from 40-100 years for upper catchment areas to 5-10 years in lower catchment areas.
The floods were equivalent to the 1958 floods.
5000 ha of Waipa productive farmland was inundated.
800 ha of Waikato productive farmland was inundated.
Multi Hazard
at
Awakino
State Highway 3 was closed at Awakino.
Heavy Rain
at
Castle Rock
Castle Rock (Coromandel) recorded 205 mm (20.5 cm) of rain in 36 hours from the 27th to the 29th.
Heavy Rain
at
Hamilton
Hamilton recorded 93 mm (9.3 cm) of rain in 36 hours from the 27th to the 29th.
Flooding
The Waikato River at Hamilton reached a level of 16.26 m.
The Waikato River at Hamilton had a peak flow of 708 cumecs. This had a return period of 20 years.
Flooding
at
Huntly
The Waikato River at Huntly reached a peak level of 10.57 m.
The Waikato River at Huntly had a peak flow of 1277 cumecs. Ths had a return period of 20 years.
Heavy Rain
at
Kaimai Range
Kaimai (Hauraki Plains) recorded 165 mm (16.5 cm) of rain in 36 hours from the 27th to the 29th.
Multi Hazard
at
Karamu
People living near Karamu, south of Whatawhata, were isolated.
Flooding
at
Karapiro
The Waikato River at Karapiro had a peak flow of 611 cumecs. This had a mean annual return period.
Heavy Rain
at
Kuratau
Kuratau recorded 123 mm (12.3 cm) of rain in 36 hours from the 27th to the 29th.
Flooding
at
Lake Taupo
Lake Taupo reached a peak level of 357.35 m. This had a return period of 10 years.
Flooding
at
Lake Waikare
The Waikato River at Lake Waikare reached a peak level of 5.8 m.
Heavy Rain
at
Mangakowhitiwhiti Stream
Kiko Road (Taupo Basin) recorded 65 mm (6.5 cm) of rain in 36 hours from the 27th to the 29th.
Heavy Rain
at
Mangatangi
Mangatangi recorded 155 mm (15.5 cm) of rain in 36 hours from the 27th to the 29th.
Heavy Rain
at
Mangatoetoe Stream
Mangatoetoe (Taupo basin) recorded 289 mm (28.9 cm) of rain in 36 hours from the 27th to the 29th (Return Period more than 150 years).
Heavy Rain
at
Maukoro Canal
Maukoro Landing recorded 79 mm (7.9 cm) of rain in 36 hours from the 27th to the 29th.
Heavy Rain
at
Maungakawa Hill
Maungakawa recorded 94 mm (9.4 cm) of rain in 36 hours from the 27th to the 29th.
Flooding
at
Mercer
The Waikato River at Mercer reached a peak level of 5.015 m.
The Waikato River at Mercer had a peak flow of 1260 cumecs. This had a return period of 20 years.
Flooding
at
Meremere
A car was swept away by the swollen Waikato River near Meremere. The driver escaped unhurt.
Heavy Rain
at
Ngaroma
Ngaroma recorded 218 mm (21.8 cm) of rain in 36 hours from the 27th to the 29th (Return Period 80 years).
Ngaroma recorded 183.5 mm (18.4 cm) of rain in 24 hours (Return Period 55 years).
Flooding
at
Ngaruawahia
The Waikato River at Ngaruawahia reached a peak level of 13.15 m.
The Waikato River at Ngaruawahia had a peak flow of 1265 cumecs. This had a return period of 20 years.
Flooding
at
Oruatua
15 homes were evacuated at Oruatua, adjacent to the Tauranga-Taupo River, on the 29th.
The basement of one house was inundated.
Flood damage costs to Oruatua private properties (one basement flooded) were estimated at $0.005 million ($6000 2008 dollars).
Heavy Rain
at
Otewa
Otewa recorded 142 mm (14.2 cm) of rain in 36 hours from the 27th to the 29th.
Flooding
The Waipa River at Otewa reached a peak level of 5.58 m.
The Waipa River at Otewa had a peak flow of 400 cumecs.
Flooding
at
Otorohanga
The Waipa River flooded a Otorohanga.
Otorohanga Primary School and six surrounding houses were inudated. Every classroom in the school was flooded, some up to waist deep.
12 homes were evacuated at Otorohanga on the 2nd.
Farmland was inundated.
Flooding severely damaged homes in Otorohanga.
Flood damage costs to Otorohanga Primary School (for repairs to buildings and grounds) were estimated at $0.25 million ($290,000 2008 dollars).
Flood damage costs to Otorohanga private properties (six houses inundated) were estimated at $0.1 million ($120,000 2008 dollars).
The Waipa River at Otorohanga reached a peak level of 34.02 m.
The Waipa River at Otorohanga had a peak flow of 615 cumecs.This had a return period of 100 years.
Landslide
The Waitomo Valley Road, between Otorohanga and Waitomo, made impassable by a major slip. A gaping hole 20m across was left in the road.
Heavy Rain
at
The Pinnacles
The Pinnacles recorded 290 mm (29.0 cm) of rain in 36 hours from the 27th to the 29th.
Heavy Rain
at
Pokaiwhenua Stream
Pokaiwhenua recorded 59 mm (5.9 cm) of rain in 36 hours from the 27th to the 29th.
Heavy Rain
at
Puniu River
Puniu recorded 98 mm (9.8 cm) of rain in 36 hours from the 27th to the 29th.
The Waipa River at Puniu reached a peak level of 14.23 m.
The Waipa River at Puniu had a peak flow of 245 cumecs.
Flooding
at
Rangiriri
The Waikato River at Rangiriri reached a peak level of 8.47 m.
The Waikato River at Rangiriri had a peak flow of 1210 cumecs. This had a return period of 20 years.
Flooding
at
Rauroa farm
The Awakino River reached a peak level of 5.72 m.
The Awakino River had a peak flow of 300 cumecs. This had a return period of 10 years.
Heavy Rain
at
Ruatahuna Hill
Ruatahuna (Taupo basin) recorded 169 mm (16.9 cm) of rain in 36 hours from the 27th to the 29th.
Flooding
at
Taupo
The Taupo trout hatchery was badly hit, with most fish being washed out of their pens and down the river.
Flooding
at
Tauranga-Taupo River
The Tauranga-Taupo River reached a peak level of 2.4 m.
The Tauranga-Taupo River had a peak flow of 195 cumecs. This had a return period of 20 years.
Tauranga-Taupo River flood repair costs were estimated at $310,000 ($360,000 2008 dollars).
Heavy Rain
at
Te Aroha
Te Aroha recorded 57 mm (5.7 cm) of rain in 36 hours from the 27th to the 29th.
Heavy Rain
at
Te Kuiti
Te Kuiti recorded 162 mm (16.2 cm) of rain in 36 hours from the 27th to the 29th.
Flooding
The Waipa River at Te Kuiti reached a peak level of 52.82 m.
The Waipa River at Te Kuiti had a peak flow of 135 cumecs. This had a return period of 20 years.
Flooding
at
Te Pahu
People living in the Te Pahu area were isolated by flood waters.
Flooding
at
Tongariro River
The Tongariro River reached a peak level of 4.5 m.
The Tongariro River had a peak flow of 1400 cumecs. This had a return period of 100 years.
Heavy Rain
at
Turangi
Turangi recorded 146 mm (14.6 cm) of rain in 36 hours from the 27th to the 29th.
Flooding
At Turangi, 90 people were evacuated from 50 homes on the 29th.
The Tongariro River overflowed and flooded up to 20 Turangi homes.
Some residents along the river at Turangi reported water rising to above their window sills, and furniture was seen floating in the streets.
The flood washed away footbridges and vegetation.
The sewerage system was under pressure.
About 15 homes were uninhabitable.
Flood damage costs to Turangi private properties were estimated at $0.75 million ($870,000 2008 dollars).
Heavy Rain
at
Waitanguru
Waitanguru recorded 161 mm (16.1 cm) of rain in 36 hours from the 27th to the 29th.
Flooding
at
Waitomo Caves
The Waitomo Caves were closed for four consecutive days, a rare occurrence.
One house needed to be shifted as floods threatened its foundations.
The area was without water after the floods washed away recently installed pumps.
Flooding severely damaged homes in Waitomo.
Landslide
A house at Waitomo was damaged by a landslip of mud, which flattened a garage and a concrete water tank.
Flooding
at
Whangamarino
The Waikato River at Whangamarino reached a peak level of 4.55 m.
Flooding
at
Whangamarino Redoubt
The Waikato River at the Control Structure reached a level of 5.43 m.
The Waikato River at the Control Structure had a peak flow of 1278 cumecs. This had a return period of 20 years.
Heavy Rain
at
Wharekiri Stream
Wharekiri (Waipa) recorded 154 mm (15.4 cm) of rain in 36 hours from the 27th to the 29th.
Flooding
at
Whatawhata
The Waipa River at Whatawhata reached a peak level of 19.52 m.
The Waipa River at Whatawhata had a peak flow of 765 cumecs. This had a return period of 20 years.
Up to 30 families on Karikariki Road, near Whatawhata, were isolated by flood waters from the Waipa River.
Bay of Plenty
Heavy Rain
at
Bay of Plenty
High rainfall occurred in the Bay of Plenty.
Maritime / Coastal
at
Omaio Bay
Two Whakatane surfers went missing in the water at Omaiao Bay, near Te Kaha, on the night of the 29th. They were feared dead after an aircraft search for them had to be called off because of the bad weather.
Hawke's Bay
Flooding
at
Hastings
Surface flooding occurred in Hastings on the 28th.
Taranaki
Heavy Rain
at
Taranaki
High rainfall occurred in Taranaki.
Landslide
at
Oakura
After weeks of heavy rain and a heavy rain storm on the 28th, a massive landslide took a large chunk of land from a property in Surrey Hill Road, Oakura. The water tank and pump shed were also brought down. The slip was just metres away from the house. The residents were forced to evacuate and their home became uninhabitable.
Manawatu-Wanganui
Multi Hazard
at
Manawatu-Wanganui
State Highway 4 between Wanganui and Raetihi was closed.
Flooding
Rivers in Manuwatu and Wanganui came close to bursting their banks. The Rangitikei, Whanganui and Manawatu Rivers were swollen by the rain.
Multi Hazard
at
Manawatu Gorge
State Highway 3 through the Manawatu Gorge was affected.
Wellington
Flooding
at
Wellington
Police reported surface flooding on State Highway 2 through the Hutt Valley on the 28th.
Flooding
at
Waikanae
Police reported surface flooding in Waikanae on the 28th.
References
- Environment Waikato Flood Document (CD).
- http://www.ew.govt.nz/publications/technicalreports/documents/TR04-06.pdf. Environment Waikato Technical Report 2004/06.
- Major weather events in New Zealand, Floods and High Rainfall, Floods to 30 Sept 2005.
- Major weather events in New Zealand, Floods and High Rainfall, Floods to 31 May 2006.
- Headline: Batten down the hatches.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, 28 February 2004.
- Headline: Storm sinks boats, cuts power and causes surface flooding.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, 28 February 2004, 3:30pm.
- Headline: Motorists warned to stay home during storm.
- The New Zealand Herald, 29 February 2004.
- Headline: Summer's cruel farewell.
- The New Zealand Herald, 1 March 2004.
- Headline: Flood fears easing in Waikato.
- The New Zealand Herald, 2 March 2004.
- New Zealand Meteorological Service. (2008). Meteorology of Extreme Rainfalls in New Zealand (Mark Pascoe, Ed.).
- Headline: Waikato latest area on flood.
- The Northern Advocate, 2 March 2004.
- Headline: Weather eye out for heavy rain.
- The Northern Advocate, 6 July 2005.
- Headline: Neighbours square up in court over disastrous slip.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Taranaki Daily News, 4 November 2008.
- Headline: Turangi families flee; watch now on Waikato.
- The Waikato Times, 1 March 2004.
- Headline: Swollen rivers build to peak.
- The Waikato Times, 2 March 2004.
- Headline: Flooding shuts Waitomo Caves.
- The Waikato Times, 3 March 2004.
- Headline: Where was our warning?
- The Waikato Times, 4 March 2004.
February-March 2004 North Island Ex-tropical Cyclone Ivy
(
2004-02-27
)
100 years
Ex-tropical Cyclone Ivy brought high rainfall, flooding and high winds to much of the North Island. Flooding in Waikato rivers caused evacuations and extensive damage to roads and property. In Auckland, high winds caused power cuts and sank boats.
North Island
Multi Hazard
Duration: 4 days - From 28th February to 2nd March.
A deep low over the Tasman Sea moved slowly south-eastwards, crossing the South Island on the night of the 28th. Its associated front was preceded by a very moist, strong northerly flow. The front moved slowly across central and northern New Zealand and linked up with the remains of Tropical Cyclone Ivy, which moved rapidly south-south-east passing just east of East Cape early on the afternoon of the 29th. The presence of Cyclone Ivy ensured very humid tropical air was brought down onto the country.
Two deep depressions converged on New Zealand. On the 28th, the effects of the first one were being felt in terms of heavy rain and strong winds in the northern North Island as it approached from the Tasman Sea from the south-west. The second depression consisted of the remnants of Tropical Cyclone Ivy. It was expected to pass just east of the North Island on the 29th.
North Island motorists were warned to stay home on the 29th, with flooding and slips closing roads across the island. Bridges were washed out and 13 roads around North Island were closed, including State Highway 1 between Taupo and Turangi.
Heavy Rain
Rainfall totalling more than 100 mm (10.0 cm) fell in parts of Northland, Coromandel, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, King Country and Taranaki.
Northland
Heavy Rain
at
Northland
Parts of Northland received up to 200 mm (20.0 cm) of rain in two days.
Flooding
Significant flooding occurred in Northland.
State Highway 1 was closed south of Kaitaia by flooding on the 28th.
Multi Hazard
at
Motukawanui Island
Eight people from a yacht were stranded on Motukawanui Island, off Matauri Bay, while Cyclone Ivy passed.
Auckland
Flooding
at
Auckland
Surface flooding occurred around Auckland.
High Wind / Gust
Trees were blown down.
Auckland City Council cancelled a number of events on the 28th, including the International Cultural Festival at Potters Park in Mt Eden, the Kantuna Salsa Festival at Tahaki Reserve and music in the park events at the Domain Band Rotunda.
Bad weather left about 3,000 Auckland homes without power on the 28th. Power was restored by the morning of the 9th. About 2000 homes in South Auckland lost power.
Auckland had winds of up to 40 knots (74 km/hr) on the 28th.
High Wind / Gust
at
Clevedon
About 300 homes in Clevedon were without electricity on the morning of the 28th, but it was restored in the afternoon.
High Wind / Gust
at
Hobson Bay
At least three boats went down in Hobson Bay and another three broke from their moorings on the 28th.
High Wind / Gust
at
Mangere East
Residents in Mangere East were without power on the morning of the 28th due to faults.
High Wind / Gust
at
Okahu Bay
A boat sank in Okahu Bay on the 29th.
High Wind / Gust
at
Takaknini
800 residents were without power in Takanini after a power pole was hit by a car.
High Wind / Gust
at
Waiwera
Power was cut in Waiwera. Power had been restored to about 80 per cent of the customers by the afternoon, with 150 still without power.
High Wind / Gust
at
Whangaparaoa
Winds were up to 58 knots (107 km/hr) off the Whangaparaoa peninsula on the 28th.
Waikato
Multi Hazard
at
Waikato
Road damage and closures were extensive across some parts of the Otorohanga, Waikato and Waitomo districts.
Extensive damage was done to roads in the Otorohanga District. Five roads remained closed on the 3rd.
State Highway 3 near Otorohanga and through the Awakino Gorge was closed. State Highway 4 to Taumarunui was closed. State Highway 31 to Kawhia was closed.
Severe roading damage occurred in the Waitomo District.
Damage in the Waikato totalled $4 million ($4,600,000 2008 dollars).
Flood damage costs to Environment Waikato (for repairs to Tongariro River, Tauranga-Taupo River and Waipa River) were estimated at $2 million ($2,300,000 2008 dollars).
Flood damage costs to Otorohanga District Council roads were estimated at $0.4 million ($460,000 2008 dollars).
Flood damage costs to Waitomo District Council roads were estimated at $0.008 million ($9000 2008 dollars).
Flood damage costs to Taupo District Council (for repairs to stormwater and sewage pumps and local roads) were estimated at $0.05 million ($58,000 2008 dollars).
Flood damage costs to Waipa District Council roads were estimated at $0.2 million ($230,000 2008 dollars).
Flood damage costs to State Highways 1 and 3 were estimated at $0.2 million ($230,000 2008 dollars).
Heavy Rain
The heaviest rain fell in the upper reaches of the Tongariro and Waipa Rivers, where intensities reached 27 mm/hr (2.7 cm/hr).
Flooding
From 11pm on the 28th, there was significant flooding caused by swollen rivers at the southern end of the Lake Taupo catchment area feeding into the Tongariro River.
State Highway 1 was closed from Taupo to Turangi.
The flow in the Tongariro and Upper Waipa Rivers had a Return Period of about 100 years.
The flow in the Lower Waikato River had a Return Period of only 20 years.
Estimated Return Periods ranged from 40-100 years for upper catchment areas to 5-10 years in lower catchment areas.
The floods were equivalent to the 1958 floods.
5000 ha of Waipa productive farmland was inundated.
800 ha of Waikato productive farmland was inundated.
Multi Hazard
at
Awakino
State Highway 3 was closed at Awakino.
Heavy Rain
at
Castle Rock
Castle Rock (Coromandel) recorded 205 mm (20.5 cm) of rain in 36 hours from the 27th to the 29th.
Heavy Rain
at
Hamilton
Hamilton recorded 93 mm (9.3 cm) of rain in 36 hours from the 27th to the 29th.
Flooding
The Waikato River at Hamilton reached a level of 16.26 m.
The Waikato River at Hamilton had a peak flow of 708 cumecs. This had a return period of 20 years.
Flooding
at
Huntly
The Waikato River at Huntly reached a peak level of 10.57 m.
The Waikato River at Huntly had a peak flow of 1277 cumecs. Ths had a return period of 20 years.
Heavy Rain
at
Kaimai Range
Kaimai (Hauraki Plains) recorded 165 mm (16.5 cm) of rain in 36 hours from the 27th to the 29th.
Multi Hazard
at
Karamu
People living near Karamu, south of Whatawhata, were isolated.
Flooding
at
Karapiro
The Waikato River at Karapiro had a peak flow of 611 cumecs. This had a mean annual return period.
Heavy Rain
at
Kuratau
Kuratau recorded 123 mm (12.3 cm) of rain in 36 hours from the 27th to the 29th.
Flooding
at
Lake Taupo
Lake Taupo reached a peak level of 357.35 m. This had a return period of 10 years.
Flooding
at
Lake Waikare
The Waikato River at Lake Waikare reached a peak level of 5.8 m.
Heavy Rain
at
Mangakowhitiwhiti Stream
Kiko Road (Taupo Basin) recorded 65 mm (6.5 cm) of rain in 36 hours from the 27th to the 29th.
Heavy Rain
at
Mangatangi
Mangatangi recorded 155 mm (15.5 cm) of rain in 36 hours from the 27th to the 29th.
Heavy Rain
at
Mangatoetoe Stream
Mangatoetoe (Taupo basin) recorded 289 mm (28.9 cm) of rain in 36 hours from the 27th to the 29th (Return Period more than 150 years).
Heavy Rain
at
Maukoro Canal
Maukoro Landing recorded 79 mm (7.9 cm) of rain in 36 hours from the 27th to the 29th.
Heavy Rain
at
Maungakawa Hill
Maungakawa recorded 94 mm (9.4 cm) of rain in 36 hours from the 27th to the 29th.
Flooding
at
Mercer
The Waikato River at Mercer reached a peak level of 5.015 m.
The Waikato River at Mercer had a peak flow of 1260 cumecs. This had a return period of 20 years.
Flooding
at
Meremere
A car was swept away by the swollen Waikato River near Meremere. The driver escaped unhurt.
Heavy Rain
at
Ngaroma
Ngaroma recorded 218 mm (21.8 cm) of rain in 36 hours from the 27th to the 29th (Return Period 80 years).
Ngaroma recorded 183.5 mm (18.4 cm) of rain in 24 hours (Return Period 55 years).
Flooding
at
Ngaruawahia
The Waikato River at Ngaruawahia reached a peak level of 13.15 m.
The Waikato River at Ngaruawahia had a peak flow of 1265 cumecs. This had a return period of 20 years.
Flooding
at
Oruatua
15 homes were evacuated at Oruatua, adjacent to the Tauranga-Taupo River, on the 29th.
The basement of one house was inundated.
Flood damage costs to Oruatua private properties (one basement flooded) were estimated at $0.005 million ($6000 2008 dollars).
Heavy Rain
at
Otewa
Otewa recorded 142 mm (14.2 cm) of rain in 36 hours from the 27th to the 29th.
Flooding
The Waipa River at Otewa reached a peak level of 5.58 m.
The Waipa River at Otewa had a peak flow of 400 cumecs.
Flooding
at
Otorohanga
The Waipa River flooded a Otorohanga.
Otorohanga Primary School and six surrounding houses were inudated. Every classroom in the school was flooded, some up to waist deep.
12 homes were evacuated at Otorohanga on the 2nd.
Farmland was inundated.
Flooding severely damaged homes in Otorohanga.
Flood damage costs to Otorohanga Primary School (for repairs to buildings and grounds) were estimated at $0.25 million ($290,000 2008 dollars).
Flood damage costs to Otorohanga private properties (six houses inundated) were estimated at $0.1 million ($120,000 2008 dollars).
The Waipa River at Otorohanga reached a peak level of 34.02 m.
The Waipa River at Otorohanga had a peak flow of 615 cumecs.This had a return period of 100 years.
Landslide
The Waitomo Valley Road, between Otorohanga and Waitomo, made impassable by a major slip. A gaping hole 20m across was left in the road.
Heavy Rain
at
The Pinnacles
The Pinnacles recorded 290 mm (29.0 cm) of rain in 36 hours from the 27th to the 29th.
Heavy Rain
at
Pokaiwhenua Stream
Pokaiwhenua recorded 59 mm (5.9 cm) of rain in 36 hours from the 27th to the 29th.
Heavy Rain
at
Puniu River
Puniu recorded 98 mm (9.8 cm) of rain in 36 hours from the 27th to the 29th.
The Waipa River at Puniu reached a peak level of 14.23 m.
The Waipa River at Puniu had a peak flow of 245 cumecs.
Flooding
at
Rangiriri
The Waikato River at Rangiriri reached a peak level of 8.47 m.
The Waikato River at Rangiriri had a peak flow of 1210 cumecs. This had a return period of 20 years.
Flooding
at
Rauroa farm
The Awakino River reached a peak level of 5.72 m.
The Awakino River had a peak flow of 300 cumecs. This had a return period of 10 years.
Heavy Rain
at
Ruatahuna Hill
Ruatahuna (Taupo basin) recorded 169 mm (16.9 cm) of rain in 36 hours from the 27th to the 29th.
Flooding
at
Taupo
The Taupo trout hatchery was badly hit, with most fish being washed out of their pens and down the river.
Flooding
at
Tauranga-Taupo River
The Tauranga-Taupo River reached a peak level of 2.4 m.
The Tauranga-Taupo River had a peak flow of 195 cumecs. This had a return period of 20 years.
Tauranga-Taupo River flood repair costs were estimated at $310,000 ($360,000 2008 dollars).
Heavy Rain
at
Te Aroha
Te Aroha recorded 57 mm (5.7 cm) of rain in 36 hours from the 27th to the 29th.
Heavy Rain
at
Te Kuiti
Te Kuiti recorded 162 mm (16.2 cm) of rain in 36 hours from the 27th to the 29th.
Flooding
The Waipa River at Te Kuiti reached a peak level of 52.82 m.
The Waipa River at Te Kuiti had a peak flow of 135 cumecs. This had a return period of 20 years.
Flooding
at
Te Pahu
People living in the Te Pahu area were isolated by flood waters.
Flooding
at
Tongariro River
The Tongariro River reached a peak level of 4.5 m.
The Tongariro River had a peak flow of 1400 cumecs. This had a return period of 100 years.
Heavy Rain
at
Turangi
Turangi recorded 146 mm (14.6 cm) of rain in 36 hours from the 27th to the 29th.
Flooding
At Turangi, 90 people were evacuated from 50 homes on the 29th.
The Tongariro River overflowed and flooded up to 20 Turangi homes.
Some residents along the river at Turangi reported water rising to above their window sills, and furniture was seen floating in the streets.
The flood washed away footbridges and vegetation.
The sewerage system was under pressure.
About 15 homes were uninhabitable.
Flood damage costs to Turangi private properties were estimated at $0.75 million ($870,000 2008 dollars).
Heavy Rain
at
Waitanguru
Waitanguru recorded 161 mm (16.1 cm) of rain in 36 hours from the 27th to the 29th.
Flooding
at
Waitomo Caves
The Waitomo Caves were closed for four consecutive days, a rare occurrence.
One house needed to be shifted as floods threatened its foundations.
The area was without water after the floods washed away recently installed pumps.
Flooding severely damaged homes in Waitomo.
Landslide
A house at Waitomo was damaged by a landslip of mud, which flattened a garage and a concrete water tank.
Flooding
at
Whangamarino
The Waikato River at Whangamarino reached a peak level of 4.55 m.
Flooding
at
Whangamarino Redoubt
The Waikato River at the Control Structure reached a level of 5.43 m.
The Waikato River at the Control Structure had a peak flow of 1278 cumecs. This had a return period of 20 years.
Heavy Rain
at
Wharekiri Stream
Wharekiri (Waipa) recorded 154 mm (15.4 cm) of rain in 36 hours from the 27th to the 29th.
Flooding
at
Whatawhata
The Waipa River at Whatawhata reached a peak level of 19.52 m.
The Waipa River at Whatawhata had a peak flow of 765 cumecs. This had a return period of 20 years.
Up to 30 families on Karikariki Road, near Whatawhata, were isolated by flood waters from the Waipa River.
Bay of Plenty
Heavy Rain
at
Bay of Plenty
High rainfall occurred in the Bay of Plenty.
Maritime / Coastal
at
Omaio Bay
Two Whakatane surfers went missing in the water at Omaiao Bay, near Te Kaha, on the night of the 29th. They were feared dead after an aircraft search for them had to be called off because of the bad weather.
Hawke's Bay
Flooding
at
Hastings
Surface flooding occurred in Hastings on the 28th.
Taranaki
Heavy Rain
at
Taranaki
High rainfall occurred in Taranaki.
Landslide
at
Oakura
After weeks of heavy rain and a heavy rain storm on the 28th, a massive landslide took a large chunk of land from a property in Surrey Hill Road, Oakura. The water tank and pump shed were also brought down. The slip was just metres away from the house. The residents were forced to evacuate and their home became uninhabitable.
Manawatu-Wanganui
Multi Hazard
at
Manawatu-Wanganui
State Highway 4 between Wanganui and Raetihi was closed.
Flooding
Rivers in Manuwatu and Wanganui came close to bursting their banks. The Rangitikei, Whanganui and Manawatu Rivers were swollen by the rain.
Multi Hazard
at
Manawatu Gorge
State Highway 3 through the Manawatu Gorge was affected.
Wellington
Flooding
at
Wellington
Police reported surface flooding on State Highway 2 through the Hutt Valley on the 28th.
Flooding
at
Waikanae
Police reported surface flooding in Waikanae on the 28th.
References
- Environment Waikato Flood Document (CD).
- http://www.ew.govt.nz/publications/technicalreports/documents/TR04-06.pdf. Environment Waikato Technical Report 2004/06.
- Major weather events in New Zealand, Floods and High Rainfall, Floods to 30 Sept 2005.
- Major weather events in New Zealand, Floods and High Rainfall, Floods to 31 May 2006.
- Headline: Batten down the hatches.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, 28 February 2004.
- Headline: Storm sinks boats, cuts power and causes surface flooding.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, 28 February 2004, 3:30pm.
- Headline: Motorists warned to stay home during storm.
- The New Zealand Herald, 29 February 2004.
- Headline: Summer's cruel farewell.
- The New Zealand Herald, 1 March 2004.
- Headline: Flood fears easing in Waikato.
- The New Zealand Herald, 2 March 2004.
- New Zealand Meteorological Service. (2008). Meteorology of Extreme Rainfalls in New Zealand (Mark Pascoe, Ed.).
- Headline: Waikato latest area on flood.
- The Northern Advocate, 2 March 2004.
- Headline: Weather eye out for heavy rain.
- The Northern Advocate, 6 July 2005.
- Headline: Neighbours square up in court over disastrous slip.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Taranaki Daily News, 4 November 2008.
- Headline: Turangi families flee; watch now on Waikato.
- The Waikato Times, 1 March 2004.
- Headline: Swollen rivers build to peak.
- The Waikato Times, 2 March 2004.
- Headline: Flooding shuts Waitomo Caves.
- The Waikato Times, 3 March 2004.
- Headline: Where was our warning?
- The Waikato Times, 4 March 2004.