February_1936_North_Island_Ex-tropical_Cyclone February 1936 North Island Ex-tropical Cyclone 1936-02-01 Extreme An ex-tropical cyclone brought high winds, heavy rain, flooding and rough seas to the whole North Island and Marlborough, which caused widespread damage. There were casualties at Kaitaia, near Thames, at New Plymouth, at Palmerston North, at Masterton, in the Tararua Range and at Tinui. From the 1st till the 2nd of February. An ex-tropical cyclone. The storm passed just to west of Cape Maria van Diemen at about midnight on the 1st/2nd. It was about 30 miles (48 km) southwest of Auckland at 9am, and passed in a south-easterly direction over Napier at about 3pm. The total nationwide damage was roughly $800 million 2000 Dollars ($1,001,600,000 2008 dollars). One of the worst storms of its time swept with cyclonic fury through the North Island on the night of the 1st and the early hours of the 2nd. High rainfall and at least surface flooding affected all of the North Island. Floods, slips and washouts caused interruptions on roads and railways. All communication north of Auckland was interrupted. The Napier-Taupo road was blocked. The Main North Road was blocked between Mimi (Taranaki) and Awakino (Waikato), with water over the road in dozens of places. There were also small slips and trees over the road in some places. The Wanganui-Raetihi road was closed. Telegraphic and telephone communications between Whangarei and south of Warkworth were cut off. Phenomenal rainfall and extreme winds caused widespread damage and destruction of property throughout the North Island. The total damage to county roads in the North Island was £114,890 ($11,607,600 2008 dollars). A belt of intensely heavy rainfall passed over the country in advance of the centre of cyclone. Almost every part of the North Island received at least 75 mm (7.5 cm) of rain. Over 30% of places exceeded 6 in (15.2 cm) of rain and more than 200 mm (20.0 cm) fell in many eastern localities from Whangarei to Manukau Heads. It was a 100 year rainfall event at 2% of New Zealand rain gauge sites. Most major rivers were in flood. Drowned sheep, cattle, pigs and chickens were seen floating down rivers all over the North Island. Slips blocked the railway line between Tauranga (Bay of Plenty) and Waihi (Waikato). A number of slips occurred on the Kaimai Road. There was a huge slip on the Wellington-Napier highway. There was widespread dislocation of communication services. Damage was done to roads and bridges in the Otamatea County. Two bridges shifted out of position and a culvert was carried away. The road between Dargaville and Mamarimu (Mamaranui?) was blocked. There were numerous washouts on the railway line between Otiria and Whakapara. Railway bridge approaches and ballast were washed away. Stock losses were heavy in all districts. There were heavy losses of hay and ensilage. There were seven slips on the railway line between Maungatoroto and Mareretu. There were extensive slips on the railway between Tangowahine and Waiotira. In two or three places between Kaiwaka and Maungatoroto, portions of the road had slipped away. Roads that were blocked inculded the Whangarei-Pipiwai road, the Whangarei-Whangarei Heads road, the Kiripaka-Ngunguru road and the Whangarei-Russell road. Extreme winds caused widespread damage. -35.597981 174.28778 The Hikurangi Coal Company's Royal Oak mine was flooded. -35.56867 174.23537 The flood in the Hikurangi Swamp was said to be the worst yet. 15,000 acres (60.70 km^2) of the Hikurangi swamp was submerged in flood waters. -35.51942 174.190367 The bar at Hukerenui Hotel had 3 ft (90 cm) of water in it. -35.770311 173.700017 A big flood developed in the Kaihu Valley. -35.406232 173.80745 Kaikohe recorded 8.53 in (21.7 cm) of rain in 24 hours. A train was marooned at Kaikohe. Kaikohe was isolated. Most of the roads leading to the station were under water. All the surrounding country was flooded. -35.504141 174.295908 The flood at Kaimamaku was said to be the largest ever experienced. Trees and fences were swept away. The swing bridge at Kaimamakau disappeared. Pastures were under feet of water. -35.107541 173.248564 The main street at Kaitaia was flooded 1 m deep. A young man was drowned at Kaitaia when a house collapsed and was washed away while he was trying to retrieve personal belongings. Kaitaia suffered severely, with water entering many business premises and homes. Silt deposits were left on floors. Portions of the main street were torn up. Water flowed down the main street to a depth of 3 ft 6 in (1.1 m). The floor of the Council Chambers was under 14 in (36 cm) of water. The electric lighting plant for the theatre and Archibalds was damaged by water and out of action. -35.383033 174.058065 There were washouts on the railway line on both sides of Kawakawa. -35.226015 173.946775 Kerikeri recorded 10 in (25.4 cm) of rain in 24 hours. The Kerikeri bridge was swept away. -35.84455 174.008588 Bridge approaches were washed out on the Kirikopuni Branch Line. All telephone lines were down on the Kirikopuni Branch Line. -35.70094 173.951098 In the Mangakahia Valley, the water levels were higher than in the 1917 flood. -36.111706 174.579787 Raised roads and bridges across the Mangawhai Inlet were covered by the flood. -35.564979 174.493979 The rain brought down many slips at Matapouri. There was a fierce gale. The roof of w car shed was blown away. A big pohutukawa was uprooted. There were heavy seas. A dinghy was smashed to matchwood. -36.111292 174.354299 There were many slips through the Maungaturoto Gorge. -35.321364 173.772793 A large slip occurred in the Okaihau railway tunnel. -35.314323 174.11743 A big slip occurred in the Opua rail tunnel. -35.284049 174.084489 At Paihia, 20 boats and launches were smashed to pieces. -36.100175 174.23636 The flood at Paparoa was the highest since 1920. -35.480598 174.26901 Puhipuhi recorded 350 mm (35.0 cm) of rain. -35.66112 174.17358 Ruatangata recorded 9.34 in (23.7 cm) of rain in 24 hours. -35.260642 174.122015 Russell recorded 11.84 in (30.1 cm) of rain in 24 hours (Return Period over 150 years). -35.734519 174.058818 The Mangakahi River rose 19 m at Titoki. 50 ft (15 m) of the bridge spanning the Hikurangi River was carried away. -35.267846 174.082573 At Waitangi, the river rose 2.5 m in 20 minutes. -35.541332 174.277325 The rail bride at Whakapara was destroyed and several chains of railway line was washed away. The flood at Whakapara was the largest that could be remembered. Stacks of hay were washed away. Roads were badly damaged. -35.719519 174.298397 A severe storm at Whangarei on the 1st was accompained by phenomenal rain. Whangarei recorded 11.41 in (29.0 cm) of rain in 24 hours (Return Period over 150 years). The lower lying areas of the town were flooded when Waiarohia Stream overflowed. Water entered a number of buildings and houses. Flood waters ran through the business district and tore up footpaths. The main streets were roaring torrents. The Bank Street footpaths were torn up for 1/2 mile (800 m). The flooding in Whangarei was up to 1 m deep. This was one of the worst floods within living memory. Whangarei was isolated in all directions due to flooding. Dozens of houses were isolated by water several feet deep. When Waiarohia Stream broke its banks, houses were abandoned and furniture removed. In Walton St, five houses had water pouring through them. There was considerable loss to private property. A shed was completely demolished by Waiarohia Stream. Water swept through the Whangarei Co-operative Dairy Company, with 4-5 ft (1.2-1.5 m) of water on the boiler room floor. The dairy company's losses included: 60 40-gallon drums of benzine swept out to sea, minor damage to thousands of butter boxes, the loss of several tons of soda and the loss of an unknown quantity of buttermilk powder. Mair Park was ruined. The bowling club's lower green was covered to a depth of 3 ft (90 cm). The railway yards were submerged and the railway bridge north of Whangarei was destroyed, stopping rail traffic for days. Crops were destroyed. Many people had to hastily abandon their homes. The bridge on Woods Road was scoured. There were heavy south-westerly gales on the 1st. Several cottages were blown down. The flood waters could not escape due to the extra high tides. All telephone circuits from Whangarei to Auckland were blocked. The lowest pressure recorded was 974 mb at Auckland at 10am. Telephone, telegraph and power services were disrupted. Roads and railways were blocked by slips and heavy floods in some areas. Damage to county roads in the province totalled £35,327 ($3,569,200 2008 dollars). Damage was caused in almost every suburb of Auckland. There were heavy stock losses. The damage totalled £115,000 ($11,619,000 2008 dollars). On the Auckland waterfront and Hauraki Gulf, 40 small craft either sunk or were damaged. It was estimated that over 100 pleasure crafts were either destroyed or severely damaged. 24 sheep died while being transported by ship from Hokianga to Onehunga. A south-west gale raged in Auckland on the 2nd. In the Auckland suburbs several roofs were lost and trees were uprooted. Shop windows were blown in, hoardings and fences were levelled, and gats were torn off hinges. Falling trees brought down power lines in all suburbs and delayed trams. Orchards suffered serious damage. Henderson and Huapai orchardists were hard hit, reporting that 90% of fruit, mostly apples and pears, was shaken to the ground. Individual orchardists stated that the destruction of trees and crops had cost them from £200-£500 ($20,200-$50,500 2008 dollars). -36.852397 174.762337 Auckland city recorded 6.38 in (16.2 cm) of rain in 24 hours (Return Period 45 years). The storm on the 2nd brought Auckland's barometric pressure down near record figures. The official reading on this occasion was 28.766 inches (974.1 hPa). -36.880798 174.619453 Henderson recorded 6.91 in (17.6 cm) of rain in 24 hours. Henderson recorded a wind velocity of 90 mph (145 km/hr). -37.201137 175.187605 Sheep and pigs were drowned in the Mangatangi Valley. -37.102448 174.872811 The event at Karaka had an estimated return period of 20 years. Damage was done to streets and businesses. -37.218243 175.119949 The Mangatawhiri Stream overflowed and inundated farms. -36.901098 174.787707 Hundreds of trees in Cornwall Park were snapped off or uprooted. -36.857346 174.816861 At the Auckland Gliding Club in Orakei, the hanger was smashed and two gliders inside were destroyed. The damage was estimated at £150 ($15,200 2008 dollars). -37.206561 174.898162 At Pukekohe, potato plants were sheared off at ground level. Buildings were demolished. Poles were levelled. Stock losses were reported at Pukekohe. -36.527856 174.565925 Floods marooned a train from Auckland at Tahikeroa, forcing passengers to sleep in carriages on both the night of the 1st and the night of the 2nd. -36.40461 174.668477 Warkworth recorded 10.81 in (27.5 cm) of rain in 24 hours (Return Period over 120 years). This was the greastest storm within the memory of a generation. Torrential rain was accompanied by north-westerly winds. Many areas in the Waikato were isolated by telephone wires broken by falling debris, slips and the floods. All communications along the East Coast were severed, but a temporary line was put from Paeroa to Waihi later on the 2nd. There were heavy crop losses. Haystacks in some King Country localities suffered severely. High winds razed several trees. Many trees were uprooted in King Country. The Waikato River was a swirling turbid stream, in the greastest flood since 1907. All low-lying areas along the Waikato River were flooded. The water level was 12 ft (3.7 m) above normal in some areas. There were heavy stock losses. Heavy damage was done to property. The road between Paeroa and Te Aroha was impassable for a time on the 2nd. The Thames Coast Road suffered severe damage, with numerous washouts all along the road. All traffic with Coromandel and Mercury Bay was cut off for a time by the collapse of the bridge at Waiomu. Damage to county roads in the Waikato district totalled £5,875 ($593,600 2008 dollars). Damage to county roads in the Hauraki district totalled £4,400 ($444,500 2008 dollars). There was extensive flooding throughout the Hauraki district. There was a flood of exceptional dimensions in the Waihou River. The surrounding districts of Paeroa, including parts of the Hauraki Plains, the Ohinemuri and Piako counties and the entire Thames Valley, suffered extensively from severe flooding of swollen rivers and creeks. Large areas of King Country farmland were inundated. Several slips came down on the railway line between Waihi and Paeroa. -38.069486 175.651148 The Waikato River at Arapuni peaked at 14,940 cusecs (423 cumecs). -38.665063 174.716871 There were slips in the Awakino Valley. -37.886228 175.445175 It was the worst storm in Cambridge for years. Considerable damage was done. An east to south-east wind rose to gale force during the night. Karapiro Stream was in high flood. Two bridges were washed away. Much property was flooded. -37.780816 175.272836 The Waikato River rose 10 ft (3.0 m) above normal at Hamilton. Several buildings in Hamilton were invaded. -37.290044 175.654673 The rainfall at Hikutaia was severe. The flooding at Hikutaia was severe. The Ohinemuri River inundated thousands of acres of farmland. Water rushed through shops, hotels and all the houses on the main road. The bowling green, croquet and tennis courts were under water due to the Hikutaia River coming over the main road. At the saleyards, 400 valuable sheep were drowned when their pen was swept against fencing. On Mr Young's farm, four cows were electrocuted by falling power lines. The cost of the sheep at the saleyards was estimated at about £400 ($40,400 2008 dollars). All maize, fruit and other crops were badly damaged. Two paddocks of cut hay were swept away. At the Hikutaia saleyards, flood waters wrought devastating damage and laid waste a wide area. All electric power was off throughout the district on the 2nd, and water was still off from the mains on the 3rd. All the power poles were down on Mr Young's farm. The bakery was severely flooded and all the flour was lost. The tar-sealing was all ripped up in front of the bank. Piles of debris left on the top of the stopbanks indicated the height and force of the flood. -37.559936 175.162622 Huntly escaped lightly, with several trees blown down. The verandah of a house was torn from its foundations and thrown by the wind. -37.420018 175.722855 A fierce torrent of black, muddy water rushed through Karangahake tunnel from Waikino to the Gorge, causing a large pile-up of silt and debris in the Gorge. Water in the Karangahake railway tunnel was 3 in (7.6 cm) over the rail level at the Waihi entrance. The swing bridge across the Ohinemuri River from the store to the railway station was washed away. Cattle were seen floating in the flood waters. People had to wade through flood waters to their homes. The members of one family were forced to climb higher up the mountain to avoid the flood waters and another couple spent a night on the roof of their house. The Ohinemuri River at Karangahake had a peak discharge of 33,200 cusecs (940 cumecs) on the 2nd, with a catchment area of 111 square miles (287 km^2). -37.146613 175.601442 Considerable damage was done to farms in the Kauaeranga Valley. There were large stock losses. -38.064484 174.82496 Boats in the harbour broke from their moorings and several smaller boats were patially buried in the sand. Bridges were swept away. A large area of pasture was inundated. Many sheep and fowl were drowned. -37.410373 175.711746 The Ohinemuri River at Mackaytown reached a peak level of 141.70 ft (43.19 m). This was 3 ft (90 cm) above the previous record in March 1910 (138.4 ft). The Ohinemuri River at Mackaytown had an estimated maximum discharge of 33,200 cusecs (940 cumecs). The Mackaytown suspension bridge was severely damaged. -37.497171 175.682829 The Waihou River at Mangaiti reached a peak level of 120.4 ft (36.70 m). -37.218243 175.119949 Extensive flooding in the Mangatawhiri Valley blocked all traffic between Paeroa and Auckland. The Mangatawhiri Valley was still impassable on the 3rd. It was reported that the Mangatawhiri bridge had collapsed. -38.698095 174.617661 The Mohakatino and Mokau Rivers were running bank high. -37.668325 175.128 The Raglan County Council gauge recorded 4.31 in (10.9 cm) of rain. The damage to the road between Ngaruawahia and Glen Massey was estrimated at £1000 ($101,000 2008 dollars). The Raglan County Council gauge registered a rise of 3 ft (90 cm) in the Waipa River. -38.059838 175.063078 A large body of water came down the Ngutunui Stream and carried away a large bridge and damaged 4 km of road. -37.407707 175.819011 There was a flood of exceptional dimensions in the Ohinemuri River. The Ohinemuri River overflowed the left stopbank within a mile of the Criterion bridge at Paeroa. The river broke its banks close to Barrett's farm on Waihi Road and covered a large area. It also broke away on the Te Aroha side of the main road. The Ohinemuri River covered both the main highway and the Old Te Aroha Road. -37.373937 175.671378 There was heavy flooding around Paeroa. Some Paeroa farms were under water to depths of 3-4 m. The Ohinemuri River at Criterion Bridge reached a peak level of 122.8 ft (37.43 m). The Ohinemuri River at Criterion Bridge had an estimated peak discharge of 24,000 cusecs (680 cumecs). The Waihou River at Ngahina Bridge reached a peak level of 110.0 ft (33.53 m). Dairy cattle and sheep were lost. Relatively little damage was done in Paeroa, although it was the centre of the badly-affected areas. Traffic from Paeroa to Hamilton and Auckland was dislocated by the floods. Several shop verandah blinds in Belmont Road and Normanby Road were shredded by the gale. Some windows were also blown in. -37.991292 175.089509 Torrential rain fell on Mount Pirongia. There were flash floods in the streams and gullies running down the sides of the mountain. A man was killed at Puhoi, 16 miles (26 km) north of Thames, when a hut was carried into a flooded stream by a slip. -37.245504 175.0131 It was reported that a bridge near Pokeno had collapsed. -37.881857 175.418294 Pukeroro recorded 3.26 in (8.3 cm) of rain in 24 hours. -38.054083 175.784529 High winds brought trees down. Orchards were wrecked. Roads were blocked by falling trees. -37.111701 175.512923 The northern abutment of the Tararu bridge was washed out, but repaired. -38.69531 176.070758 The Waikato River at the Taupo outfall peaked at 6,560 cusecs (186 cumecs). -37.536498 175.715457 Te Aroha felt the full force of the gale. Roofs were lifted by the wind. Roads were impassable and traffic was held up by flooding and debris. The road from Morrinsville was covered in branches. The township was surrounded by deep floods. The Waihou River flooded miles of low-lying land. At least one bridge was washed away - the Waiorongomai bridge. The Waihou River rose 11 ft (3.4 m) in three hours. Flood waters entered the Northern Store. Milking had to be done by hand. The Waihou River at Te Aroha reached a peak level of 128.97 ft (39.31 m). Hundreds of cattle and sheep were seen floating down the flood waters. -38.009384 175.334988 In the Te Awamutu area a landslide blocked the Waipa River, then water built up the dam, and washed away three bridges when the dam broke. -37.399424 175.142967 Many orchards in the Te Kauwhata district were devastated by the gale. Many trees were completely levelled and others were stripped of their fruit. Between 400 and 600 cases of fruit were lost. -37.140988 175.533107 Thames recorded 6 in (15.2 cm) of rain in 24 hours. There was an exceptionally heavy deluge in the hills. The rain quickly ceased at daylight, with only occasional light showers till evening. Karaka Stream overflowed at about 2am on the 2nd, and swept through the Thames township. The stream brought down tons of silt and sand as well as many large boulders, trees, stumps and branches. Shops and many houses were flooded. The business portion between Mary and Albert Streets suffered the most damage. Shops, offices and the Hauraki Clothing Factory were inundated with water and flood deposits. Pollen Street was covered with several inches of silt, which caused considerable damage to stock in shops. Hotel cellars were filled with water or sand and one was badly damaged with silt. Buildings in Grahamstown were flooded with water up to 3 ft (90 cm) in extreme cases. Dairy cattle and sheep were lost. Park Hotel, Queens Hotel and the Borough Council had over 3 ft (90 cm) of water covering the floors. The cost of clearing up the damage was estimated at over £2000 ($202,100 2008 dollars). Residents were warned of the rise of water by the sounding of the fire siren. South of Thames, paddocks were inundated with storm water. Logs and debris were scattered thickly in the vicinity of all the creeks and the Kauaeranga River. The Thames water supply was damaged by a slip on the water race, causing the supply to be cut for several days. Several chains of the water race supplying the town from the Kauaeranga River were washed away. A woman was injured as a skylight was blown in, rendering her unconcious. High seas were running on the coast all day, backed up by a high north-westerly wind. -37.39414 175.820732 Waihi recorded 9 in (22.9 cm) of rain in 10 1/2 hours. Waihi recorded 2 in (5.1 cm) of rain in 1 hour. -37.026591 175.509342 A middle-aged man was killed when his hut was carried away in a slip. The northern end of the bridge over the creek at Waiomu was washed out, dislocating all traffic. -37.268304 175.621145 No serious damage was reported at Wharepoa. The water rose 3 ft (90 cm) over the Boulder and Beacon bridges. On the Tauranga-Te Puke highway, the Atuaroa River overflowed and flooded the road. -38.121174 176.146687 Ngongotaha Stream rose 15 ft (4.6 m). -38.140434 176.262282 The storm at Rotorua was the severest ever experienced in the memory of old residents. Severe havoc was done in various parts of the district. The original Maori Church at Ohinemutu was demolished and water swirled through a house near Ohinemutu Village. Rotorua received over 6 in (15.2 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 2nd. Most streams flowing into the Lake broke their banks. Private property was inundated. There were power cuts caused by falling trees. -37.679532 176.173022 A strong south-east gale was experienced at Tauranga. Several trees were blown down around the borough. Gardens were ruined. Orchards were mutilated. Power Board services were affected in many areas as a result of tree branches. The telegraph service was cut off between Tauranga and outside places. Roads were blocked by slips and fallen trees and scoured by flood waters. The gale was accompanied by heavy driving rain from the east. Rivers were swollen. Damage was done to metalling and pumicing surfaces of roads. A small bridge on the Soldiers Settlement Road was washed away. Few launches dragged their moorings, one launch was blown ashore and a yacht was blown onto the breakwater. One launch sank by the railway bridge and another was blown under the bridge and smashed to pieces on the rocks. -37.740812 177.681126 There was a large storm surge at Te Kaha with extreme high tides. Eight fishing boats were swept away. A house was washed into the sea. The road was washed away in places. A milking shed at Te Ngae was unroofed. -37.829122 176.316713 At Waiari Valley, flood waters covered the road. The damage to county roads in the province totalled £13,400 ($1,354,000 2008 dollars). The widespread damage and devastation in such a short period of time had not been seen since five years previously. Extensive damage was done to farms by both silting and the wind. The damage caused to the fruit growing industry was the most serious effect of the flooding and gales. Extensive damage was done to orchards and serious damage was done to fruit and maize crops. Stone fruit trees suffered the most. Most of the season's crop was completely lost, a very large proportion of the fruit based trees being levelled to the ground. Orchardists faced heavy losses of up to 70% of crops. Orchardists had probably a 50% total loss, affecting the export to the extent of 80%. Affected areas included Pakowhai, Greenmeadows and Havelock North. Orchard and shelter belt trees were blown over in all directions, which exposed fruit trees to the full force of the gale. The damage to the fruit growing industry was expected to amount to £100,000-£150,000 ($10,103,000-$15,155,000 2008 dollars). At a 10-acre orchard of 6-year-old trees, at least two-thirds were blown to the ground. High winds caused serious dislocation of telegraph and telephone services and lesser interruption to the power supply. Hastings, Napier and Waipukurau were cut off from telephone and telegraphic communication. The rural telephone service was out, leaving many settlers isolated. Air services were down. There was extensive flooding throughout Hawke's Bay and severe flooding in southern Hawke's Bay. Extensive areas of land were flooded in the Clive, Fernhill, Haumoana and Te Awanga areas. Roads throughout the district were blocked by flood waters. Streams scoured roads and approaches to bridges, bridges were destroyed and washouts occurred. Railway lines were indunated by flood waters. There were serious stock losses. The three main rivers rose rapidly. Two train carriages and the guard vans were blown over by the force of the wind and fell several feet down a bank. A baby was left unconscious and five other passengers required medical attention for injuries. The carriage was struck by a 70-mph (113-km/hr) gale, and toppled off the line. Trees lay across the roads in many country districts. Numerous slips occurred on roads. -39.58081 176.85412 There were large stock losses in Chesterhope. On one farm 1500 sheep were lost and Mr Master lost three draught horses worht £200 ($20,200 2008 dollars). -39.640227 177.002035 In the Clifton area, flooding ruined grass crops, damaged fences and caused general dislocations of farm work. -39.586947 176.912721 Clive was flooded by the Tukituki River, cutting the road and rail link between Napier and Hastings. Flood waters covered portions of the railway lines on the Clive side of Waitangi Dip. 1500 sheep were drowned in stock-yards. -39.394568 176.82922 Eskdale recorded 5.75 in (7.0 cm) of rain in 24 hours. -39.590617 176.762035 The Ngaruroru River rose 13 ft (4.0 m) above normal at Fernhill. -39.493547 176.725328 Stock losses were heavy at Hakowhai. The A and P Society lost 500 sheep and Fernie Bros lost 1000 sheep. Ruinous damage was done in the area. A moderate estimate of damage in the area was £60,000 ($6,062,000 2008 dollars). -39.635771 176.828045 Winds reached almost hurricane force at Hastings. Widespread damage was done to business premises. The Hastings Women's Community Club had an estimated £200 ($20,200 2008 dollars) of damage caused when the roof was carried across the road onto power lines and surrounding premises. In various places windows were blown in or damaged, signs were torn away and wireless masts and aerials were toppled. Many trees were uprooted around town. Trees were felled in Cornwell Park. Heavy rain fell at Hastings. Serious flooding occurred. -39.602913 176.946842 Fallen trees blocked Haumoana Road at the side of Black Bridge, stranding people. There were small stock losses in Haumoana. -39.64746 176.619961 Valley Road, Maraekakaho, was impassable to traffic due to fallen trees. Aorangi and Mangatahi Roads were impassable due bridge appraches being washed away. -39.868507 176.890754 Maraetotora recorded 10 in mm (25.4 cm) of rain in 24 hours (Return Period 125 years). Maraetotara Road was blocked by several slips. -39.502426 176.892804 Napier recorded 101 mm (10.1 cm) of rain in 24 hours. Napier recorded 3.69 in (9.4 cm) of rain in 24 hours. Napier was entirely isolated, with all communications cut. There was no access by road between Napier and Hastings. The Tutaekuri River rose 12 ft 6 in (3.81 m) above normal at Redcliff. Two small bridges between Greenmeadows and Lower Torren were washed away. The Taradale Grandstand was unroofed and the walls collapsed with the force of the winds. -39.589606 176.552838 The Ngaruroru River had an estimated peak discharge of 60,000 cusecs (1699 cumecs). -39.915653 176.427543 Damage was done to roads, especially in Ongaonga, and some were impassable. -39.584175 176.861298 Pakowhai suffered great and widespread damage to crops. -39.508443 176.793634 A large area of the Puketapu Valley was flooded. -39.450942 176.634072 The Tutaekuri River had an estimated peak discharge of 80,000 cusecs (2265 cumecs). -39.999445 176.562423 The Waipukurau area experienced 24 hours of heavy rain. The Tukituki River burst its banks at Waipukurau. Stock losses in the Waipukurau area were heavy. Thousands of cattle and sheep were drowned. The whole resisdential area of town was inundated. In Central Hawkes Bay, the floors of shops were flooded with several inches of water. Extensive damage was done to stock and furniture, especially on Mount Herbet Road. 70 families were driven from their homes. The water was up to 3 ft (90 cm) deep inside houses. The Esk River flooded to over 1 km wide. This was the most disastrous flood in the history of Waipukurau. The winds uprooted hundreds of trees. Roads were blocked and power and telephone lines were down. -39.041861 177.423248 At Wairoa, walls completely collapsed and a whole building was felled. Roofs were lost and numerous portions of other buildings were blown down. The power was out in Wairoa. Power dislocation was mainly caused by felled trees. Roads were blocked by both slips and flood waters. Damage to county roads totalled £19,157 ($1,935,500 2008 dollars). Railway lines were blocked by slips and other debris. The main north trunk line from New Plymouth was blocked by slips and flood waters. Opunake and Egmont County suffered the most severely, with extensive wind damage throughout the countryside and severe damage to back country roads and bridges. Pigs were drowned in South Taranaki. Damage was done to the main north road bridge. Bridges in Waimate West County were destroyed by flooding. A considerable amount of water was running in all North Taranaki rivers. The wind blew with hurricane force in Taranaki. Buildings were destroyed. Telegraph and telephone poles were down in thousands. -39.484778 174.044739 At Awatuna, Auroa and Riverlea, power plants for milking machines were swept away. -39.435727 174.039904 At Awatuna, Auroa and Riverlea, power plants for milking machines were swept away. -39.030626 174.145623 A terrific wind blew at Bell Block. Huge pine trees were down and trunks were snapped clean off or torn out of the ground. Telephone and power poles were broken. Haystacks were demolished. Workmen's huts were blown down and roofing iron was scattered over a wide area. The road slipped away in several places. -39.321582 174.105391 Dawson Falls recorded 406 mm (40.6 cm) of rain in 24 hours. -39.426207 174.302281 Three bridges on Eltham Road were damaged. Low-lying areas of Eltham were inundated. -39.586876 174.27571 The rain at Hawera commenced at 2pm on the 1st. Hawera recorded 2.75 in (7.0 cm) of rain in the 19 hours from 2pm on the 1st to 9am on the 2nd. Hawera recorded 138 mm (13.8 cm) of rain in 24 hours. A south-easterly wind was blowing. Wind damage was done in Hawera. Back gardens and yards were littered with debris. Boundary fences were blown down, sheet iron was lifted from house roofs and many chimney pots were blown down. Tomato crops were ruined. Windows were blown in, and water flooded interiors. Terrific seas pounded the beach along the coast. The temporary bridge over the Tangahoe River was damaged. Tremendous logs were swept against the bridge. The Tangaohoe River rose 27 ft (8.2 m) above normal. -39.163073 174.187246 A heavy gale was experienced at Inglewood. Residents stated that there had never been such a disastrous storm. There was severe wind damage in Inglewood. Enormous trees were uprooted. Easily 50% of house windows were smashed. A large number of verandahs, chimneys, windows, trees, power poles and sheds were wrecked. Badminton Hall was completely razed to the ground and the Anglican Church lost its roof. At Nodders Hotel, the verandah was torn off and all the windows on one side were smashed. At Private Hotel, the verandah was torn off and windows were smashed, leaving rooms drenched. At Winfields Buildings, windows were smashed and the verandah at an adjacent shop was torn off. A two-storey iron building was wrecked and the Croquet Pavilion was blown over. The electricity supply was disorganised. Telephone communication was disorganised. -39.19459 174.146125 Severe south-east winds swept the countryside at Kaimiro, rising to hurricane force. Huge trees fell like ninepins. The amount of damage done to buildings was horrifying. Roofs were ripped off sheds and at least three cowsheds were demolished. Three huge trees fell right across one house, wrecking some of the bedrooms. Another house was severely damaged, a new house was unroofed and the roof was ripped off Kaimiro Hall. -38.961156 174.492945 The Mimi River was running bank high. In the Mimi Valley paddocks were feet deep in water. Water flowed over the road in four places. The flood was described by settlers as the worst they had ever seen. Damage to bush and farm buildings was severe. -39.051214 174.06972 A very severe south-east gale blew at New Plymouth. Frankleigh Park Hall was destroyed and many housess had windows blown in. Chimneys, sheds and fences were demolished in all directions. In the suburbs large pine trees were smashed off at ground level. The sea very very rough. The fishing launch 'Mokau' was lost off the coast 9 miles (14 km) south of New Plymouth and the father and son crew were presumed drowned. Damage was done at the port. -39.386783 173.807544 Oaonui Stream overflowed. Oaoiti Stream at the Oaonui factory was flowing across the road on top of the bridge. -39.456198 173.859526 Opunake was flooded by Hihiwera Stream. Opunake was comepletely isolated, with both road and rail approaches washed out. The Waiaua River at Opunake swept away 30-40 ft (9.1-12.2 m) of the approach on the town side, leaving the road impassable. The Waiaua River wrecked the rail bridge. Te Namu Stream at the Opunake factory rushed across the flat and through a house. The telephone service was down. -39.759215 174.475094 Wind damage was done in Patea. Patea was unable to commincate with towns north of Stratford and south of Waverley. -39.325994 173.805636 A small creek near the Methodist church overflowed and flooded the township. One or two houses were wntered by flood waters. Pungaereere Stream changed its course and eroded its banks. The Main South Road was impassable due to damage to the Okahu bridge. A pier on the Oaonui side of the Okahu bridge was washed away. A verandah was blown off a Rahotu billiard room and a roof was blown off a new house on Oporapa Road. -39.435805 174.078823 At Awatuna, Auroa and Riverlea, power plants for milking machines were swept away. -39.343721 174.267614 A gale accompained by torrential rain was experienced at Stratford. The Stratford Main Trunk railway was blocked by a series of more than 12 slips, one over 500 m long. -39.5212 174.418125 The Tangahoe River was 8.2 m above normal. -39.019136 174.862123 Two slips occurred at the Tangarakau side of the No.8 tunnel. -39.435378 173.979489 Te Kiri bridge over Punehu Stream was severely damaged. A new bridge would cost £10,000 ($1,010,000 2008 dollars). -39.239324 174.57673 There was a small washout on the road at Te Wera. -38.997709 174.384059 Urenui caught the full force of the gale. A good deal of damage was done to buildings. A church had portions of roofing iron torn off and scores of houses in the area were damaged. -38.94362 174.530172 Extensive flooding occurred in the Uruti Valley. The main road was submerged by water to a depth of 1 ft-18 in (30-45 cm). There were electricity and telecommunication outages in the Uruti Valley when telephone, telegraph and power lines were brought down. There was widespread evidence of a gale. -39.357624 173.960355 The Waiaua Valley was flooded. A washout on the Waiaua River bridge cut off the approach. -39.350698 174.207406 The Waingongoro River flooded 1.8 m over the top of the dam. -38.99656 174.213734 At Waitara, a number of large buildings disintegrated and the harbour beacon tower was blown over. A 25 m steel and brick chimney was blown over. Crops were destroyed. The bridge at Waitara River was unsafe. -39.706664 174.834381 The flood in the Waitotara Valley was a 50 year flood. Several houses were evacuated in the Waitotara Valley. Waitotara Valley roads were impassable due to flooding and slips. -39.202437 174.127733 The Waiwakaiho River rose 4.3 m. -39.760037 174.612857 The main road south was blocked at Waverley. Telegraph, telephone and power lines were brought down in all directions. Extensive damage was done throughout the Manawatu district, mainly by the gales. Damage to county roads in the Manawatu district totalled £4,457 ($450,300 2008 dollars). Widespread and serious damage occurred in the Wanganui District. Damage to county roads in the area totalled £21,900 ($2,213,000 2008 dollars). Telephone and telegraph communications were interrrupted. Roads and railways were blocked over wide areas. Traffic was stopped on practically all roads in the Wanganui district due to slips and washouts. The Taihape-Ohakune road was closed. The road between Levin and Palmerston North via Shannon was badly damaged. This was the worst cyclone in recorded history up to that time. There were serious stock losses in the flooded areas, with thousands of sheep drowned. All rivers east of the gorge overflowed and large areas of land were inundated. The total runoff in the Manawatu was estimated at 222,000 acre-feet. Low-lying areas in the Wanganui district were flooded, causing considerable damage to property. Thousands of acres of farmland was flooded. From Heao Station towards Ohura, slips occurred every few miles on the railway line as far as Mangapara. The gale was of enormous magnitude. Extensive areas of forest were razed to the ground on the western slopes of the Tararua Ranges. In the Manawatu, barns, woolsheds, and cowsheds were destroyed. A farmer had his leg broken when the shed he was inside collapsed. -40.212104 176.095139 Dannevirke recorded 4 in (10.2 cm) of rain in 48 hours. Dannevirke recorded 2.30 in (5.8 cm) of rain in 24 hours on the 1st. Dannevirke recorded 2.45 in (6.2 cm) of rain in 24 hours on the 2nd. Rivers and streams broke their banks. Bridges in the country were carried away. The approximate damage for the Dannevirke country areas was £3000 ($303,100 2008 dollars). The Te Rehunga district fared the worst. South-easterly gales caused some damage. This was the worst storm for many years. -40.643504 175.709279 Eketahuna recorded 2.49 in (6.3 cm) of rain on the 1st. Eketahuna recorded 2.94 in (7.5 cm) of rain on the 2nd. A gale of cyclonic force swept through Eketahuna. Severe wind damage was done at Eketahuna. There was widespread property damage. Trees and fences were blown away and windows were smashed. A large concrete motor garage was practically demolished. Power and telephone services were interupted. Wide areas were under water. -40.218333 175.546479 The Feilding Aero Club hanger was blown away and two planes inside were destroyed. -38.970856 174.971628 A huge slip occurred at the Heao end of the No.9 tunnel on the main north railway line. -40.392402 175.518295 The railway station at Karere disappeared. -40.610591 175.272321 The Foxton to Levin highway was impassable. Windows were broken and a shop verandah was carried away. Several houses had their roofs torn off. Trees were flattened. Power lines were felled. Considerable damage was done to power lines between Levin and Shannon. Fallen trees blocked the line between Levin and Otaki. -40.381237 175.534372 Longburn anglican church was demolished by the wind and the hall lost its roof. A horse was cut in half by flying corrugated iron. -40.515613 175.444998 Several people were injured when the last two passenger coaches and the guard's van of an excursion train were blown off the line and thrown down a bank near Makerua. Five people were badly injured. -40.507761 175.389825 At Moutoa, 14,500 acres (58.68 km^2) were flooded. Damage to Motua district roads totalled £22,000 ($2,223,000 2008 dollars). -40.316054 175.486605 In the Oroua district 18,000 acres (72.84 km^2) were flooded. -40.355525 175.616438 The gale struck Palmerston North before midnight on the 1st. Many houses were wholly or partially unroofed. Enormous damage was done to trees and gardens. Windows were smashed and chimneys lost. A block chimney collapsed into a house and a farm building was unroofed. Hoardings, fences, and brick walls were all blown over. In Terrace End, a small railway station was blown across the road. Railway huts were turned completely over. A big grandstand at the A and P Association showgrounds was blown over and wrecked. Grandstands at Awapuni racecourse and the sports ground were also demolished. An elderly man was killed when he was blown off his roof while trying to repair it. One man was serioulsy injured. Enormous damage was done to orchards. Telegraph and electric lines were wrecked. Most parts of the city were without power on the night of the 2nd. Many roads were completely blocked. Iron, broken wires, poles, trees, timber and fencing all lay in a mass on the highway. Winds of 60 mph (96 km/hr) were experienced. At Palmerston North, the winds measured 10 on the Beaufort Scale, averaging 48-55 knots (89-102 km/hr) at 9am on the 2nd. 70 trees fell across the Napier telegraph line between Palmerston North and Ashhurst. 28 trees came down over the main power lines in a 120 m stretch of road. The suspension bridge on the road connecting the Palmerston-Shannon and Palmerston-Foxton highways was severely buffeted by the gale. The Manawatu River rose 17 ft 3 in (5.26 m) at the Fitzherbert Bridge gauge. The Manawatu River at the Fitzherbert Bridge gauge had a peak discharge of 93,000 cusecs (2633 cumecs). Many thousands of pounds would not cover the total damage. -39.480016 175.04686 The Wanganui River at Pipiriki rose 50 ft (15.2 m) above the wharf. -40.421134 175.439206 Areas around Rangiotu were inundated. -40.551271 175.420312 A heavy easterly gale blew at Shannon. Considerable damage was done. Communication north and south was interrupted. Trees across lines in many places broke communications. -40.256048 175.592591 The Manawatu River rose 5 m and flooded the Taonui basin. -39.80567 174.72609 The Waitotara county suffered severely. The Waitotara River overflowed and water invaded houses in the township. Many slips came down on the surrounding roads. -39.932232 175.028352 The Whanganui River was in high flood, reaching a peak level of 4 ft (1.2 m) below the top of the town wharf. The Whanganui River flooded thousands of acres of farmland and entered a number of houses. Two spans of the Shell Oil Company Wharf were carried away. Wanganui was isolated by road. Extensive slips occurred. Telephone and telegraph communications were disrupted. -40.009345 175.171274 The railway line at Wangaehu was under water. The road bridge at Wangaehu was blocked. Flood waters from the Whangaehu River flowed through the Whangaehu Hotel, leaving it isolated. The Whangaehu River rose almost 2 m in half an hour. -39.845139 175.319738 The Whangaehu River overflowed its banks, and most of the land in the valley was submerged. There were severe stock losses. Hundreds of sheep and cattle were drowned. -40.342202 175.873222 Woodville recorded 2.50 in (6.4 cm) of rain on the 1st. Considerable damage was done to property in Wellington and the suburbs. Damage to county roads totalled £11,780 ($1,190,200 2008 dollars). Considerable damage was done at the Kaiwarra railway line. Severe southerly gales were experienced in Wellington on the 2nd. The winds damaged gardens, fences, wireless poles and houses. The gales were accompained by heavy rain. The Wairarapa district was deluged with rain. Rain invaded some Wellington homes. The Hutt River rose rapidly. All Wairarapa rivers overflowed, and large areas of low-lying land were inundated. Numerous slips occurred. -40.949261 175.108639 Akatarawa Road was blocked to traffic. -40.89976 176.221927 At Castlepoint, the sea washed away sand hills and invaded houses 100 m inland. -41.331164 174.758199 The road between Brooklyn and Happy Valley and the road between Happy Valley and Island Bay were blocked by slips. -41.339121 174.767971 The road between Ohiro Bay and Island Bay was blocked. -41.116792 175.109206 At Mangaroa, a horse was electrocuted by fallen lines. -41.2171 175.436864 Martinborough was cut off by the Ruamahanga River. The Ruamahanga and Huangaroa Riveres were in high flood. -40.964296 175.667649 Masterton recorded over 4 in (10.2 cm) of rain in the 22 hours from 8pm on the 1st to 6pm on the 2nd. All rivers were overflowing around Masterton. The Waipoua River broke its banks at Masterton, and flooded two or three shops. Water flowed through Masterton Park. A few streets were flooded and water flowed over the main highway for a time. Large areas of low-lying land were submerged. A 16-year-old boy died when cutting down a storm-damaged tree, which struck him on the head. Telephone and telegraph communication north of Masterton was lost. -41.049961 175.439053 There was a washout at Matarawa. -41.242025 174.814889 The coastal steamer John, anchored in stream, dragged her moorings and ran aground at Ngauranga. -41.141089 174.818671 The road between Porirua and Paremata was blocked. -41.119029 175.230172 The Rimutaka Hill road was blocked to traffic by a slip. -41.323854 174.794442 Rongotai Aerodrome recorded gusts of 68 knots (126 km/hr). -41.152687 175.015613 The Main road near Silverstream was under water and impassable. -40.903116 175.33038 Two people, a 15-year old hunter and a tramper, died of exposure in the Tararua Ranges. -40.877878 176.065376 At Tinui, water from the Whareama River flooded buildings. All houses on the flat were invaded by water, as well as the police station and residence. The water reached a depth of 50 cm in the hotel, and 1 m deep in some houses. A youth was killed at Tinui when a branch blew off a large tree. -41.059875 175.438823 The Waiohine River overflowed, flooding a large area between Carterton and Greytown. Roads were blocked by the flood waters. -41.28855 174.776764 Wellington recorded 4.42 in (11.2 cm) of rain in 24 hours. The winds tore down 75 ft (23 m) of the bathing sheds at Te Aro baths. -41.267785 174.837681 Wellington's shipping was mainly affected by the storm. Numerous small boats were wrecked in Wellington Harbour. The Inter-Island express ferry Rangitira ran aground on Barrett Reef, off the Wellignton Heads, at 6.10am, but made it into port badly damaged. The sea wall along Hutt Road was undermined in three or four places. Marlborough was the only area of the South Island to suffer the effects of the cyclonic storm. Heavy rain and high winds caused minor damage. Telegraph lines suffered damage from the gale. Fields of barley and wheat were badly beaten down. Private and commercial orchards suffered some losses of fruit and damage to trees. Outbuildings on some farms were slightly damaged. The Main South Road was blocked for several hours north of Kaikoura by slips. -41.341482 173.953657 Koromiko Stream overflowed and blocked the road. -41.295063 174.011495 A number of trees were blown down hillsides at Picton. Practically all the fruit trees with heavy crops had branches snapped off. Woolsheds, fowlhouses and garages were blown over. -41.526295 173.983305 A cow shed at Riverlands was partly demolished. Barnett, M.A.F. (1938). The Cyclonic Storms In Northern New Zealand On The 2nd February And The 26th March, 1936. Meteorological Office Note No.22. Reference Brenstrum, E. (1997). www.hbrc.govt.nz. Hawkes Bay Regional Council. Reference Brenstrum, E. (2000). The cyclone of 1936: the most destructive storm of the twentieth century? Weather and Climate 20, 23-28 p. Reference Cowie, C.A.; Attwood, A.K. (1957). Floods in New Zealand 1920-1953. The Soil Conservation Control Council, Wellington, New Zealand. Reference Grayland, E.C. (1978). More New Zealand Disasters. Reference Headline: At Karangahake. Reference Hauraki Plains Gazette, 3 February 1936. Headline: Cyclonic storm sweeps district. Reference Hauraki Plains Gazette, 3 February 1936. Headline: Roads blocked. Reference Hauraki Plains Gazette, 3 February 1936. Headline: Sheep drowned. Reference Hauraki Plains Gazette, 3 February 1936. Headline: Thames flooded. (Bottom half of articles missing) Reference Hauraki Plains Gazette, 3 February 1936. Johnston, D.D.; Pearse, L.J. (2007). Hazards in Hawke's Bay. Hawke's Bay Regional Council, Napier, New Zealand. Reference Ministy of Civil Defence. Storms, Tephra June 1997, Volume 16. Reference New Zealand Meteorological Service. (2008). Meteorology of Extreme Rainfalls in New Zealand (Mark Pascoe, Ed.). Reference New Zealand's Nature Heritage. Volume 6, Great Storms. Hamlyn House, Auckland. Reference Saunders, W. (2000). Planning and Resources, Hazard and Emergency Management Section, Wairarapa Division, Wairarapa Storm Events 1880 - 1998. Technical Report No. 00/17. Reference Shearer, A.R. (1969). Hydrology Annual, No.14, 1966. Published by the Ministry of Works, The Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Council, Wellington, New Zealand. Reference Headline: Bell Block damage. Reference Taranaki Herald, 3 February 1936. Headline: Effects in New Plymouth. Reference Taranaki Herald, 3 February 1936. Headline: Foundered at sea? Motor launch missing. Reference Taranaki Herald, 3 February 1936. Headline: Havoc at Kaimiro, Chaos in district. Reference Taranaki Herald, 3 February 1936. Headline: Hawera damage Reference Taranaki Herald, 3 February 1936. Headline: Inglewood hit hard. Reference Taranaki Herald, 3 February 1936. Headline: Opunake cut off. Reference Taranaki Herald, 3 February 1936. Headline: Railway blocked, Slips on Ohura line. Reference Taranaki Herald, 3 February 1936. Headline: Sea of water, Floods in Wairarapa Reference Taranaki Herald, 3 February 1936. Headline: South Taranaki suffers, Tangahoe River rises rapidly. Reference Taranaki Herald, 3 February 1936. Headline: Taranaki devastation, Damage to many buildings. Reference Taranaki Herald, 3 February 1936. Headline: Widespread effect, Gale in other places. Reference Taranaki Herald, 3 February 1936. Headline: Worst for years, Flooding on North Road. Reference Taranaki Herald, 3 February 1936. Headline: Cyclonic storm causes widepsread damage. Reference The Bay of Plenty Times, 3 February 1936. Headline: Gigantic clash of two great storms. Reference The Evening Post, April 10 1968. Headline: Flooded roads, Whangarei's experience. Reference The Evening Post, February 3 1936. Headline: North Island whipped by southerly gales. Reference The Evening Post, February 3 1936. Headline: Palmerston North hit, Building razed, roofs blown off. Reference The Evening Post, February 3 1936. Headline: Carriages derailed. Reference The Hawke's Bay Tribune, 3 February 1936. Headline: Harvest of the wind. Reference The Hawke's Bay Tribune, 3 February 1936. Headline: Major disaster for fruitgrowers. Reference The Hawke's Bay Tribune, 3 February 1936. Headline: Storm causes widespread damage. Reference The Hawke's Bay Tribune, 3 February 1936. Headline: North Island storm, Widespread destruction caused. Reference The Nelson Evening Mail, 4 February 1936. Headline: Havoc at Rotorua, Old maori church destroyed. Reference The Nelson Evening Mail, 5 February 1936. Headline: Barometers touch new low level. Reference The New Zealand Herald, 20 May (Thursday) 1954. Headline: Mishap to ship. Reference The New Zealand Herald, 3 February 1936. Headline: Severe cyclonic stom. Reference The New Zealand Herald, 3 February 1936. Headline: Havoc north and south. Reference The New Zealand Herald, 4 February 1936. Headline: Storm victims. Reference The New Zealand Herald, 4 February 1936. Headline: 20 boats smashed at Paihia. Reference The Northern Advocate, 3 February 1936. Headline: Dairy company suffers Reference The Northern Advocate, 3 February 1936. Headline: Hurried evacuation from flooded homes. Reference The Northern Advocate, 3 February 1936. Headline: Train services at a standstill. Reference The Northern Advocate, 3 February 1936. Headline: Tremendous deluge causes unprecendented floods in north. Reference The Northern Advocate, 3 February 1936. Headline: Young man drowned at Kaitaia when bach collapses. Reference The Northern Advocate, 3 February 1936. Headline: Seafront wreckage, Damage to small craft. Reference The Waikato Times 3 February 1936. Headline: A tangled mass. Reference The Waikato Times, 3 February 1936. Headline: Damage at Cambridge, Power lines suffer. Reference The Waikato Times, 3 February 1936. Headline: Damage in Manawatu. Reference The Waikato Times, 3 February 1936. Headline: Districts isolated, Telephone lines down. Reference The Waikato Times, 3 February 1936. Headline: Flooding at Thames. Reference The Waikato Times, 3 February 1936. Headline: Gale at Te Aroha, Countryside flooded Reference The Waikato Times, 3 February 1936. Headline: Gale at Te Aroha, Six inches of rain. Reference The Waikato Times, 3 February 1936. Headline: Ngaruawahia damage. Reference The Waikato Times, 3 February 1936. Headline: Storm sweeps Waikato, Cyclone and torrential rain. Reference The Waikato Times, 3 February 1936. Headline: The storm, Three lives lost. Reference The Waikato Times, 3 February 1936. Headline: The storm, Three lives lost. Reference The Waikato Times, 3 February 1936. Headline: The worst disaster, Blow to fruit industry. Reference The Waikato Times, 3 February 1936. Headline: Trail of damage, Whangarei disaster. Reference The Waikato Times, 3 February 1936. Headline: Taranaki stricken, Widespread devastation. Reference Waikato Times, 3 February 1936. Weather and Climate. (2000). 20: 23-28. The Cyclone of 1936: The most destructive storm of the twentieth century? Reference