NZ Historic Weather Events Catalogue
June 2002 Upper North Island Weather Bomb
(
2002-06-18
)
150 years
A weather bomb brought heavy rain, flooding and high winds and high seas to much of the upper North Island. A State of Emergency was declared in two parts of the Waikato and much damage was done to public and private property. A woman drowned in the Coromandel and three people were injured in separate incidents.
North Island
Multi Hazard
Duration: 4 days - From the 18th to the 21st of June.
A weather bomb. An explosively-deepening depression passed to the west of Coromandel Peninsula. Strong convection that was not well-predicted affected a small part of Coromandel Peninsula, causing extreme damage. A sharp upper trough moved across the north Tasman Sea with a negative tilt near northern New Zealand. Subtropical air moved down a moist conveyor into the low, overriding cool air from around a high to the south.
The MetService issued Heavy Rain Warnings and Strong Wind Warnings for Auckland, Northland, Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato and Bay of Plenty.
Parts of the North Island took a battering from Gale-force winds and driving rain on the 20th.
In the 12 hours from 6:30pm on the 20th, the Fire Service's Northern Communications Centre (for the area north of Turangi) received 658 calls. By mid-afternoon on the 21st it had handled nearly 300 more calls.
125,000 people were without power. The United Networks power company reported that 26,000 homes were without power from Coromandel Peninsula to Rotorua and Tauranga. Power was expected to be restored to most by midday on the 21st.
Over 500 properties were affected. Insurance claims spread from Northland to south of Palmerston North, the largest number coming from the Thames-Coromandel District. The claims were mainly for cars which had been flooded and for extensive water and wind damage to homes. In some of the most serious cases, roofs were torn off and rain then drove into the buildings, destroying interiors.
About 500 households in Thames-Coromandel, South Waikato and West Auckland still without hot water on the 25th.
14,500 insurance claims had been received by 2nd August.
Insurance payouts totalled $21.5 million ($25,600,000 2008 dollars).
Heavy Rain
Rainfall totalling 160-210 mm (16.0-21.0 cm) occurred throughout Northland, north Auckland and the Coromandel.
The worst of the rain had left the upper North Island on the 21st.
Flooding
Extensive flooding occurred in the upper North Island on the 20th.
High Wind / Gust
Gale force east to north-east winds damaged property in Auckland and Waikato. Roofs were lifted and windows and walls were blown out.
Northland
Multi Hazard
at
Northland
Violent winds and heavy rain left thousands of people without power and water.
Some buildings were damaged by the winds and rain on the 20th and 21st. There were many instances of property damage in the Kaipara District.
Throughout the Kaipara District, roads were flooded, slips came down and bridges were impassable. Many roads were closed.
Heavy Rain
The storm brought widespread rain to much of Northland, dumping a month's worth of rainfall on the region in four days.
Northland received up to 80 mm (8.0 cm) of rain on the 19th.
Northland recorded an average of 71 mm (7.1 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 12pm on the 19th.
Flooding
Some river levels had risen several metres after the rain on the 19th.
Flood waters had to be pumped out of two basements in the Far North on the 19th.
On the 19th, there was minor surface flooding on paddocks and rural roads.
Most of the worst flooding on roads on the 20th coincided with the high tide shortly before 4pm, and most were clear again by late evening. The Kaipara Coast highway was flooded.
Most schools in Whangarei, Kawakawa, Ruakaka, Waipu, Dargaville, Kaikohe and Kaitaia closed early on the 20th so buses could get children home before flooding met the mid-afternoon high tide.
High Wind / Gust
Northland suffered from wind damage, with trees down in many areas.
Winds brought down power lines or felled trees on to power lines in Whangarei, Ruakaka, Maungaturoto, Dargaville and Ruawai. Power was cut to thousands of consumers, although only for a couple of hours in many cases. About 60 homes north of Dargaville were without power on the morning of the 21st. There were also intermittent telephone outages.
Winds gusted to 115 km/hr in Northland on the 20th.
Landslide
There were slips on roads throughout upper Northland.
Landslide
at
Brynderwyn
There was a slip on State Highway 1 on the southern side of the Brynderwyns, but the road was not closed.
Heavy Rain
at
Dargaville
Daragville recorded 133.5 mm (13.4 cm) of rain rom 12am on the 17th to 7:30am on the 21st.
Flooding
The Wairoa River was swollen.
The Kaumatua Flats at Te Houhanga Marae on Station Road were surrounded by flood waters on the 21st. An elderly woman in a wheelchair had to be rescued
Maritime / Coastal
There were high, wind-driven tides at Dargaville on the weekend (22nd-23rd).
Heavy Rain
at
Glenbervie Forest
Ngunguru/ Glenbervie recorded 222.5 mm (22.3 cm) of rain from 12am on the 17th to 7:30am on the 21st.
Flooding
at
Hikurangi
Flooding occurred at Hikurangi on the 19th.
Flooding closed Pigs Head, Marua, Otonga, Jubilee and Whananaki Roads at Hikurangi on the 20th.
There were 1-metre-deep flood waters on Whananaki Road.
Heavy Rain
at
Hokianga Harbour
North Hokianga recorded 174 mm (17.4 cm) of rain from 12am on the 17th to 7:30am on the 21st.
Landslide
at
Kaihu
State Highway 12 near the top of the Kaihu Hill was blocked by a slip for more than two hours from 1pm on the 20th.
Multi Hazard
at
Kaihu River
The Kaihu Valley was hit hard by flooding and other storm damage.
Many roads in the area were closed by flood waters, slips or fallen trees.
Flooding
The flooding that occurred at the lower Kaihu River was almost as severe as that of Cyclone Bola.
Kaihu Valley School was closed on the 20th and 21st due to access roads being blocked by flood waters.
The Kaihu River reached a 15-year high.
Heavy Rain
at
Kaikohe
Kaikohe recorded 97.6 mm (9.8 cm) of rain in the 18 hours from 12am to 6pm on the 20th.
Kaikohe recorded 22 mm (2.2 cm) of rain in the hour from 12pm to 1pm on the 20th.
There was flooding at Kaikohe on the 20th.
Heavy Rain
at
Kaitaia
Kaitaia recorded 165 mm (16.5 cm) of rain from 12am on the 17th to 7:30am on the 21st.
Flooding
Flooding was severe in parts of Kaitaia.
A number of homes in Kaitaia were evacuated.
Six homes were flooded when a floodbank collapsed near Rongapai Place on the 20th.
Flooding
at
Kawakawa
There was some flooding around Kawakawa.
Flood waters and debris entered the pumphouse and intake of Kawakawa's water supply system, putting the treatment plant out of action. Residents were asked to conserve water.
State Highway 1 was closed between Kawakawa and Moerewa by extensive surface flooding on the 20th. The Kawakawak-Paihia road was temporarily closed.
Flooding
at
Kirikopuni
Roads and bridges in the Kirikopuni valley were impassable due to flooding.
High Wind / Gust
at
Mamaranui
A man was taken to hospital with minor injuries after a falling tree struck his vehicle on State Highway 12 near Mamaranui on the 21st.
Flooding
A teenage boy was rescued from the roof of his car after he drove into a flooded dip on State Highway 12 near Mamaranui around 6:45pm on the 20th. After he was rescued, his car was swept off the road and submerged in flood waters.
Multi Hazard
State Highway 12 at Mamaranui was closed on the morning of the 21st.
Flooding
at
Mangakahia River
The Mangakahia River was in flood and reached a 15-year high.
Roads and bridges in the Mangakahia valley were impassable due to flooding.
High Wind / Gust
at
Mangawhai
Roofs were blown off in Mangawhai.
High Wind / Gust
at
Mangonui
State Highway 10 at Mangonui was temporarily closed after a tree came down on the road.
Flooding
at
Maungaturoto
Residents in Maungaturoto were advised to boil their drinking water until further notice.
Flooding
at
Moerewa
Moerewa residents were asked to conserve water after the Kawakawa treatment plant was put out of action.
Heavy Rain
at
Ohaeawai
Ohaeawai recorded 202.5 mm (20.3 cm) of rain from 12am on the 17th to 7:30am on the 21st.
Heavy Rain
at
Opouteke
Opouteke recorded 211.5 mm (21.2 cm) of rain from 12am on the 17th to 7:30am on the 21st.
Heavy Rain
at
Oruru
Oruru recorded 193 mm (19.3 cm) of rain from 12am on the 17th to 7:30am on the 21st.
Flooding
at
Otiria
Five homes were evacuated at Otiria on the 21st when they were threatened by flood waters.
Flooding
at
Paihia
Debris blocked the intake for the Paihia/ Waitangi water scheme. Residents were asked to conserve water.
Maritime / Coastal
at
Parua Bay
A yacht slipped its mooring near Parua Bay on the 20th and was driven ashore near Headland Farmpark.
High Wind / Gust
at
Pataua
Roofs were blown off or damaged in Pataua North.
Heavy Rain
at
Puhipuhi
Puhipuhi recorded 240 mm (24.0 cm) of rain from 12am on the 17th to 7:30am on the 21st.
High Wind / Gust
at
Ruakaka
Roofs were damaged at Ruakaka.
Flooding
at
Taheke
Floods caused problems at Taheke.
Flooding
at
Tangiteroria
The flooding that occurred at Tangiteroria was almost as severe as that of Cyclone Bola.
High Wind / Gust
State Highway 14 near Tangiteroria was blocked by a huge macrocarpa tree for four hours on the 21st.
Flooding
at
Tangowahine
Roads and bridges in the Tangowahine valley were impassable due to flooding.
High Wind / Gust
at
Te Kopuru
At Te Kopuru, high winds shifted a large shed half a metre off its foundations.
Heavy Rain
at
Twin Bridges
Twin Bridges recorded almost 195 mm (19.5 cm) of rain from 12am on the 17th to 7:30am on the 21st.
Flooding
at
Waihue
Roads and bridges in the Waihue valley were impassable due to flooding.
Flooding
at
Waipu
Flooding closed Glenmohr and McLeans Roads at Waipu on the 20th.
High Wind / Gust
at
Waipu Cove
Roofs were damaged at Waipu Cove.
Flooding
at
Wairua River
The Wairua River reached a 15-year high.
Heavy Rain
at
Whangarei
Whangarei recorded 100 mm (10.0 cm) of rain in the 18 hours from 12am to 6pm on the 20th.
Whangarei recorded 193 mm (19.3 cm) of rain from 12am on the 17th to 7:30am on the 21st.
Flooding
Flooding closed Kaka Street on the 20th. Other Whanagrei roads were also flooded.
Landslide
A house was pushed from its foundations by a large slip and pushed 20m down a slope in Paranui Valley Road, Tikipunga, just after 10pm on the 20th. The slip also crushed the family's two cars. A house above the landslide had 70 m of their backyard left with a 30-metre drop.
The family got out of the house just as mud began oozing in through the windows. The residents of the house at the top of the landslide were advised by police to leave for the night.
High Wind / Gust
A roof was damaged at the Mairtown Kindergarten.
A branch dropped on the Western Hills Bypass , temporarily blocking two lanes on the 20th.
Multi Hazard
Whangarei Boys High School, Whangarei Girls' High School and Kamo High School closed shortly after midday on the 20th due to threat of gales, heavy rain and flooding.
Maritime / Coastal
at
Whangarei Harbour
A kayaker had to be winched to safety from Whangarei Harbour after he ventured out into the heavy seas on the morning of the 20th.
Flooding
at
Whangarei Heads
Flooding closed Whangarei Heads Road on the 20th.
Flooding
at
Whirinaki
Floods caused problems at Whirinaki.
Auckland
Multi Hazard
at
Auckland
Police had received over 600 calls related to the weather since 4pm on the 20th.
There were a couple of minor road accidents in the region.
High Wind / Gust
High easterly winds lashed Auckland.
Roofs were lifted.
Power lines were brought down. Up to 11,000 homes in West Auckland, the North Shore and Wellsford were without power for much of the night of the 20th.
Flooding
There was surface flooding in some places.
A car crashed on the northern motorway after losing control on the flooded road.
High Wind / Gust
at
Auckland City
A central Auckland roof was blown off in the storm. A claim was made for $159,186 ($190,500 2008 dollars).
The Sky Tower recorded a wind gust of 123 km/hr.
High Wind / Gust
at
Hauraki Gulf
The Hauraki Gulf recorded easterly gusts of up to 150 km/hr.
Heavy Rain
at
Leigh
Record rainfall was recorded at the Marine Observatory at Leigh.
High Wind / Gust
at
Musick Point
Musick Point recorded peak winds of 124 km/hr.
High Wind / Gust
at
Northcote
A man was severely injured after a tree fell on him in Northcote.
High Wind / Gust
at
Takapuna
A thick 3m panel of glass was punched out of a skylight in a Takapuna shopping centre, showering about 30 people below with glass.
High Wind / Gust
at
Tiritiri Matangi Island
Tiritiri Matangi Island recorded wind gusts of 160 km/hr.
High Wind / Gust
at
Waitemata Harbour
Wind gusts on the Auckland Harbour Bridge reached 90 km/hr on the afternoon of the 20th.
Drivers of high-sided vehicles and motorcyclists were warned not to cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
Maritime / Coastal
at
Westhaven
A floating tourist office at Westhaven Marina was flooded and several small boats were blown ashore but not damaged.
Waikato
Multi Hazard
at
Waikato
Heavy rain and strong easterly winds battered the Coromandel and Waikato areas on the night of the 20th.
The storm focused itself on the eastern part of the region: the Thames coast, Te Aroha, Matamata, Tirau, Putaruru and Tokoroa.
The storm damage was considered to be worse than the aftermath of Cyclone Bola and the floods of 1993.
Some places on the Coromandel Peninsula had their power cut from about 10pm on the 20th. There were power outages from south of Thames northwards, with over 20,000 homes without electricity. Some of the areas on the coast road worst hit by the storm were still without power on the 22nd and thousands of residents were without power until after the 22nd.
Damage was done to wastewater and water supply systems, leaving some parts of the Coromandel Peninsula without a water supply. The reservoir emptied on the 21st when the intake was blocked by storm debris. Some of the upper areas were still without water on the 22nd.
Considerable damage was done to private properties. Boats, cars, and caravans were wrecked as torrential rain swept mud and debris through seaside settlements. Buildings were damaged and fences and trees brought down.
Roads were closed due to flood waters and slips. The coast road, State Highway 25, from Thames to Coromandel was closed from the early hours of the 21st. The road was re-opened at first light on the 22nd, but was still partially blocked by fallen trees, mud slides and downed power poles.
A house on the Coromandel Peninsula damaged by the storm made a claim for $163,618 ($195,800 2008 dollars).
The damage was estimated to cost millions.
State Insurance had logged 3,700 claims within 12 hours.
Two people were seriously injured.
The Thames-Coromandel District Council's estimated response costs: Thames-Coromandel District Council $562,000 ($669,000 2008 dollars); Environment Waikato $131,000 ($156,000 2008 dollars); Transit NZ $750,000 ($893,000 2008 dollars); House/Property damage $3.1million ($3,690,000 2008 dollars); Total: $5million ($5.4million 2008 dollars).
The South Waikato District Council's estimated response costs: $550,000 mainly for roading ($655,000 2008 dollars); House/Property damage $220,000 ($262,000 2008 dollars); Total $770,000 ($917,000 2008 dollars).
The damage totalled $13 million ($15,480,000 2008 dollars).
Flooding
Intense convective rain led to flooding in the Coromandel.
Police were involved in a number of rescues on the Coromandel Peninsula overnight on the 20th.
The areas or streams affected in the Thames-Coromandel District included: Whangarahi, Tapu, Waiomu, Pohue, Te Puru, Tararu and many more smaller streams along the Thames Coast.
Flood waters swept over the Thames Coast Road. A police officer travelling on the highway overnight had to abandon his car, and it was last seen with water rising to the level of the windscreen.
Between Tararu and Waikawau, 356 properties were inundated.
It was one of the worst known 'blanket events' to strike the Thames Coast.
A Civil Defence State of Emergency was delcared in Thames Coast district, lasting from 3:03am on the 21st to 5:00pm on the 24th.
Extreme damage was done. Silt, dirt and debris from the storm still lined Coromandel streets on 12th July.
It was estimated to be a 100 year event.
Insurance Claims totalled 14,500 as at 2nd August.
Insurance payments as at 2nd August were estimated to total $25,000,000 ($29,770,000 2008 dollars).
A Civil Defence State of Emergency was delcared in the Putararu and Tirau Wards of the South Waikato District, lasting from 8:00am on the 21st to 5pm on the 23rd.
The flooding was said to be a 150 year event.
200 houses and 500 people were evacuated, including residents from Waikawau, Tapu, Tarau and Te Puru. At least 40 people were evacuated from camping grounds on the Coromandel Peninsula.
More than 350 properties on Coromandel Peninsula suffered water and silt damage.
The railway line between Hamilton and Kinleith was washed out south of Tirau.
Stream infilling and damage was caused.
Heavy Rain
Many areas in th Thames-Coromandel District recorded rainfall totals over 100 mm (10.0 cm).
High Wind / Gust
Dozens of houses lost their roofs in Matamata, Thames, Coromandel, Te Aroha, Hamilton and Huntly.
North-easterly wind gusts up to 120 km/hr were recorded.
Landslide
The Thames Coast road on State Highway 25 was blocked by several slips.
Avalanches of mud and debris were swept onto narrow coastal flats, devastating small holiday settlements along State Highway 25.
Heavy Rain
at
Coromandel
Coromandel recorded 215.5 mm (21.6 cm) of rain in 24 hours on the 20th.
Coromandel recorded 88.5 mm (8.9 cm) of rain in 90 minutes on the 20th.
Coromandel township recorded 125 mm (12.5 cm) of rain in 25 minutes (unofficial). This had a Return Period well over 150 years.
Flooding
50 homes in Coromadel were inundated.
Multi Hazard
at
Hamilton
There were several minor road accidents around Hamilton.
Power was cut to some places on the night of the 20th. The power was still off in some areas on the city outskirts on the morning of the 21st.
Hamilton recorded wind gusts of up to 82 km/hr.
High Wind / Gust
Hamilton recorded winds with an average speed of 50 km/hr.
High Wind / Gust
at
Karapiro
A vehicle hit a tree across the road near Karapiro.
Flooding
at
Kauaeranga River
The Kauaeranga River reached a level equivalent to a 5-year event.
Multi Hazard
at
Kinleith
The Kinleith branch railway line was closed.
Multi Hazard
at
Kopu
The traffic lights on the Kopu bridge between Ngatea and Thames were not working on the morning of the 21st.
High Wind / Gust
at
Matamata
High winds blew over a silo, power lines and fences around Matamata.
The countryside was littered with broken trees.
Flooding
Farm paddocks were under water and many shops and houses were flooded.
The road between Matamata and Te Poi was closed.
Flooding
at
Oraka Stream
The Oraka Stream reached a level equivalent to a 100-year event.
Heavy Rain
at
Paeroa
Paeroa recorded 120 mm (12.0 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Paeroa recorded 33 mm (3.0 cm) of rain in one hour.
Flooding
at
Pokaiwhenua Stream
The Pokaiwhenua Stream reached a level equivalent to a 100-year event.
Flooding
at
Port Charles
23 homes in Port Charles were inundated.
Heavy Rain
at
Putaruru
Putaruru recorded over 200 mm (20.0 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Putaruru recorded 120 mm (12.0 cm) of rain in two hours. This was a 100-year event (Environment Waiakto) or well over a 150-year event (MetService).
Flooding
There was heavy flooding in Putaruru, with low-lying areas under water.
Putaruru was cut off by flooding on the 21st.
A state of emergency was declared in Putaruru on the 21st.
Six schools in Putaruru and Tirau were closed.
Residents were evacuated from their homes.
There were power outages and a water shortage. The town water supply reservoirs were only 10% full. 18,000 Putaruru and Tirau residents were without water.
Rescue staff had to use a front-end loader to rescue a mother and young baby from a home that was cut off by flood waters.
Flooding
at
Tairua River
The Tairua River reached a level equivalent to a 5-year event.
Heavy Rain
at
Tapu
Tapu recorded 200 mm (20.0 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Tapu recorded 83 mm (8.3 cm) of rain the hour from 11.30pm on the 20th to 12.30am on the 21st. This was a 100-year event (Environment Waikato) or over a 150-year event (MetService).
Flooding
Flooding was thought to be more serious at the townships of Te Puru, Waiomu and Tapu, north of Thames.
Residents of Tapu were forced to leave their flooded homes in the early hours of the morning.
Flooding
at
Tararu
Residents of Tararu were forced to leave their flooded homes in the early hours of the morning.
Heavy Rain
at
Te Aroha
Te Aroha recorded 157 mm (15.7 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Te Aroha recorded 97 mm (9.7 cm) of rain in one hour. This was a 100-year event (Environment Waikato) or over a 150-year event (MetService).
Flooding
at
Te Puru
Flooding was thought to be more serious at the townships of Te Puru, Waiomu and Tapu, north of Thames.
Heavy Rain
at
Thames
Heavy rain hit Thames in two waves overnight on the 20th/21st. The second wave was around 4am.
Thames Airfield recorded 45 mm (4.5 cm) of rain in one hour.
High Wind / Gust
"Horrendous" winds swept the town on the 20th and at times during the night.
The winds ripped the roofs off some buildings in the town.
Thames recorded wind gusts of up to 120 km/hr.
Thames recorded winds with an average speed of 70 km/hr.
Flooding
Flood waters washed debris through the town, but the affects were not too serious.
The Karaka River at Thames reached a level equivalent to a 50-year event.
Multi Hazard
Thames and the surrounding area were without power from about 10pm on the 20th.
Some telephone services in Thames were also disrupted.
The town's water supply was disrupted.
Heavy Rain
at
Thornton Bay
Thorndon Bay recorded 150 mm (15.0 cm) of rain in two hours. This had a Return Period of well over 150 years.
Flooding
at
Tirau
There was heavy flooding in Tirau.
Residents of Tirau were forced to leave their flooded homes in the early hours of the morning.
Six schools in Putaruru and Tirau were closed.
There were power outages and a water shortage after the water supply was lost. 18,000 Putaruru and Tirau residents were without water. A water supply had to be trucked in to Tirau from Tokoroa.
Flooding
at
Tokoroa
State Highway 32 between Tokoroa and Mangakino was closed.
High Wind / Gust
Tokoroa recorded wind gusts of up to 80 km/hr.
Tokoroa recorded winds with an average speed of 30 km/hr.
Heavy Rain
at
Waharoa
Waharoa recorded 91 mm (9.1 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Waharoa recorded 74 mm (7.4 cm) of rain in the hour from 12:45am to 1:45am on the 21st. This was a 100-year event.
Heavy Rain
at
Waiomu
Waiomu recorded 160 mm (16.0 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Waiomu recorded 31 mm (3.1 cm) of rain in 15 minutes. This had a Return Period of 140 years.
Flooding
Flooding was thought to be more serious at the townships of Te Puru, Waiomu and Tapu, north of Thames.
Waiomu Stream burst its banks on the night of the 20th, swamping Waiomu Holiday Park. Caravans were swept around like toys.
A 65-year-old woman was drowned after being swept out to sea by flood waters from Waiomu Holiday Park at about 1am on the 21st. Her and her husband had awoken to find their caravan surrounded by the flood waters, and tried to escape.
The flood waters peaked at 1.5 m.
A person was injured at Waiomu.
Flooding
at
Waitoa River
The Waitoa River reached a level equivalent to a 20-year event.
Heavy Rain
at
Wharepoa
Wharepoa recorded 114 mm (11.4 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Wharepoa recorded 60 mm (6.0 cm) of rain in the hour from 12am to 1am on the 21st. This was a 100-year event.
Bay of Plenty
High Wind / Gust
at
Bay of Plenty
Large parts of the region were without power overnight.
Flooding
at
Mamaku
State Highway 5 at Mamaku was closed by flooding.
High Wind / Gust
at
Rotorua
Wind damage was reported in Rotorua.
High Wind / Gust
at
Tauranga
Wind damage was reported in Tauranga.
Maritime / Coastal
at
Whakatane
The storm caused a 1-metre-high swell in the harbour at Whakatane.
The Whakatane harbourmaster's boat sank at its mooring early on the morning of the 21st. Ten other boats were also damaged.
High Wind / Gust
High winds blew down trees and powerlines in the Whakatane district.
A couple of houses lost their roofs.
Manawatu-Wanganui
Multi Hazard
at
Manawatu-Wanganui
Insurance claims for property damage stretched to south of Palmerston North.
References
- Environment Waikato. History of Flood Events on the Thames Coast.
- Environment Waikato Flood Document (CD).
- Gray, W. Overview of weather and coastal hazards in the Northland region, Part I: Weather hazards.
- Headline: Flood threatens township.
- The Kauri Coast Advocate, 24 June 2002.
- Major weather events in New Zealand, Floods and High Rainfall, Floods to 30 Sept 2005.
- Meteorological Society of New Zealand (Inc.). Newsletter 90, September 2002.
- Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management. (2003). 'Wet and Wild'. June 2003, Volume 20.
- Headline: Stormy weather lashes North Island, harbour bridge warning.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, Source: NZPA, 20 June 2002, 4:10pm.
- Headline: Wind and rain tipped to batter north.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, Source: NZ Herald and NZPA, 20 June 2002.
- Headline: Coastguard reports little damage from big storm.
- The New Zealand Herald, 21 June 2002.
- Headline: Helicopter search fails to find missing woman near Thames.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, 21 June 2002, 10:00am.
- Headline: Tree topples on man as storm rages.
- The New Zealand Herald, 21 June 2002.
- Headline: Woman missing in storm-battered Coromandel.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, 21 June 2002.
- Headline: Flood carries woman to sea.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, Source: NZ Herald and NZPA, 22 June 2002.
- Headline: Havoc reigns as storm moves on.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, 22 June 2002.
- Headline: State of civil emergency extended in Coromandel.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, Source: NZPA and Northern Advocate, 22 June 2002, 11:45am.
- Headline: Winter's 'bomb' drenches north…but work goes on.
- The New Zealand Herald, 22 June 2002.
- Headline: Millions of dollars claimed after storm, many people uninsured.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, Source: NZPA, 24 June 2002, 11:45pm.
- Headline: Row over flood cover.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, 25 June 2002.
- Headline: Flood relief 'delights' Thames-Coromandel mayor.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, 26 June 2002.
- Headline: Hard line on insurance adds to storm's impact.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, 29 June 2002.
- Headline: Flooding costs insurers $21 million.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, Source: NZPA, 5 July 2002.
- Headline: Waikato and Coromandel residents wait for flooding.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, Source: NZ Herald and NZPA, 12 July 2002.
- Headline: Flood work bill causes rates to rocket.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, 29 August 2003.
- New Zealand Meteorological Service. (2008). Meteorology of Extreme Rainfalls in New Zealand (Mark Pascoe, Ed.).
- Niwa wind file.
- Headline: North receives heavy rain warning.
- The Northern Advocate, 20 June 2002.
- Headline: Thrill-seeking kayaker in 'extreme' conditions.
- The Northern Advocate, 21 June 2002.
- Headline: Water, water everywhere: Wind, rainstorm batter Northland.
- The Northern Advocate, 21 June 2002.
- Headline: Big blow wreaks wet havoc across North.
- The Northern Advocate, 22 June 2002.
- Headline: Slide smashes Tikipunga home.
- The Northern Advocate, 22 June 2002.
- Headline: Landslide family find solace in little things.
- The Northern Advocate, 25 June 2002.
- Headline: Storm insurance claims run into millions.
- The Northern Advocate, 25 June 2002.
- Headline: Bad weather costs insurers $25m yearly.
- The Press, 8 January 2003.
- Headline: Emergency declared in Putaruru.
- The Waikato Times, 21 June 2002.
- Headline: Large areas left without electricity.
- The Waikato Times, 21 June 2002.
- Headline: Woman in caravan swept out to sea.
- The Waikato Times, 21 June 2002.
- Headline: State of emergency remains.
- The Waikato Times, 22 June 2006.
- Headline: Storm cleanup to cost millions.
- The Waikato Times, 22 June 2002.
June 2002 Upper North Island Weather Bomb
(
2002-06-18
)
150 years
A weather bomb brought heavy rain, flooding and high winds and high seas to much of the upper North Island. A State of Emergency was declared in two parts of the Waikato and much damage was done to public and private property. A woman drowned in the Coromandel and three people were injured in separate incidents.
North Island
Multi Hazard
Duration: 4 days - From the 18th to the 21st of June.
A weather bomb. An explosively-deepening depression passed to the west of Coromandel Peninsula. Strong convection that was not well-predicted affected a small part of Coromandel Peninsula, causing extreme damage. A sharp upper trough moved across the north Tasman Sea with a negative tilt near northern New Zealand. Subtropical air moved down a moist conveyor into the low, overriding cool air from around a high to the south.
The MetService issued Heavy Rain Warnings and Strong Wind Warnings for Auckland, Northland, Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato and Bay of Plenty.
Parts of the North Island took a battering from Gale-force winds and driving rain on the 20th.
In the 12 hours from 6:30pm on the 20th, the Fire Service's Northern Communications Centre (for the area north of Turangi) received 658 calls. By mid-afternoon on the 21st it had handled nearly 300 more calls.
125,000 people were without power. The United Networks power company reported that 26,000 homes were without power from Coromandel Peninsula to Rotorua and Tauranga. Power was expected to be restored to most by midday on the 21st.
Over 500 properties were affected. Insurance claims spread from Northland to south of Palmerston North, the largest number coming from the Thames-Coromandel District. The claims were mainly for cars which had been flooded and for extensive water and wind damage to homes. In some of the most serious cases, roofs were torn off and rain then drove into the buildings, destroying interiors.
About 500 households in Thames-Coromandel, South Waikato and West Auckland still without hot water on the 25th.
14,500 insurance claims had been received by 2nd August.
Insurance payouts totalled $21.5 million ($25,600,000 2008 dollars).
Heavy Rain
Rainfall totalling 160-210 mm (16.0-21.0 cm) occurred throughout Northland, north Auckland and the Coromandel.
The worst of the rain had left the upper North Island on the 21st.
Flooding
Extensive flooding occurred in the upper North Island on the 20th.
High Wind / Gust
Gale force east to north-east winds damaged property in Auckland and Waikato. Roofs were lifted and windows and walls were blown out.
Northland
Multi Hazard
at
Northland
Violent winds and heavy rain left thousands of people without power and water.
Some buildings were damaged by the winds and rain on the 20th and 21st. There were many instances of property damage in the Kaipara District.
Throughout the Kaipara District, roads were flooded, slips came down and bridges were impassable. Many roads were closed.
Heavy Rain
The storm brought widespread rain to much of Northland, dumping a month's worth of rainfall on the region in four days.
Northland received up to 80 mm (8.0 cm) of rain on the 19th.
Northland recorded an average of 71 mm (7.1 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 12pm on the 19th.
Flooding
Some river levels had risen several metres after the rain on the 19th.
Flood waters had to be pumped out of two basements in the Far North on the 19th.
On the 19th, there was minor surface flooding on paddocks and rural roads.
Most of the worst flooding on roads on the 20th coincided with the high tide shortly before 4pm, and most were clear again by late evening. The Kaipara Coast highway was flooded.
Most schools in Whangarei, Kawakawa, Ruakaka, Waipu, Dargaville, Kaikohe and Kaitaia closed early on the 20th so buses could get children home before flooding met the mid-afternoon high tide.
High Wind / Gust
Northland suffered from wind damage, with trees down in many areas.
Winds brought down power lines or felled trees on to power lines in Whangarei, Ruakaka, Maungaturoto, Dargaville and Ruawai. Power was cut to thousands of consumers, although only for a couple of hours in many cases. About 60 homes north of Dargaville were without power on the morning of the 21st. There were also intermittent telephone outages.
Winds gusted to 115 km/hr in Northland on the 20th.
Landslide
There were slips on roads throughout upper Northland.
Landslide
at
Brynderwyn
There was a slip on State Highway 1 on the southern side of the Brynderwyns, but the road was not closed.
Heavy Rain
at
Dargaville
Daragville recorded 133.5 mm (13.4 cm) of rain rom 12am on the 17th to 7:30am on the 21st.
Flooding
The Wairoa River was swollen.
The Kaumatua Flats at Te Houhanga Marae on Station Road were surrounded by flood waters on the 21st. An elderly woman in a wheelchair had to be rescued
Maritime / Coastal
There were high, wind-driven tides at Dargaville on the weekend (22nd-23rd).
Heavy Rain
at
Glenbervie Forest
Ngunguru/ Glenbervie recorded 222.5 mm (22.3 cm) of rain from 12am on the 17th to 7:30am on the 21st.
Flooding
at
Hikurangi
Flooding occurred at Hikurangi on the 19th.
Flooding closed Pigs Head, Marua, Otonga, Jubilee and Whananaki Roads at Hikurangi on the 20th.
There were 1-metre-deep flood waters on Whananaki Road.
Heavy Rain
at
Hokianga Harbour
North Hokianga recorded 174 mm (17.4 cm) of rain from 12am on the 17th to 7:30am on the 21st.
Landslide
at
Kaihu
State Highway 12 near the top of the Kaihu Hill was blocked by a slip for more than two hours from 1pm on the 20th.
Multi Hazard
at
Kaihu River
The Kaihu Valley was hit hard by flooding and other storm damage.
Many roads in the area were closed by flood waters, slips or fallen trees.
Flooding
The flooding that occurred at the lower Kaihu River was almost as severe as that of Cyclone Bola.
Kaihu Valley School was closed on the 20th and 21st due to access roads being blocked by flood waters.
The Kaihu River reached a 15-year high.
Heavy Rain
at
Kaikohe
Kaikohe recorded 97.6 mm (9.8 cm) of rain in the 18 hours from 12am to 6pm on the 20th.
Kaikohe recorded 22 mm (2.2 cm) of rain in the hour from 12pm to 1pm on the 20th.
There was flooding at Kaikohe on the 20th.
Heavy Rain
at
Kaitaia
Kaitaia recorded 165 mm (16.5 cm) of rain from 12am on the 17th to 7:30am on the 21st.
Flooding
Flooding was severe in parts of Kaitaia.
A number of homes in Kaitaia were evacuated.
Six homes were flooded when a floodbank collapsed near Rongapai Place on the 20th.
Flooding
at
Kawakawa
There was some flooding around Kawakawa.
Flood waters and debris entered the pumphouse and intake of Kawakawa's water supply system, putting the treatment plant out of action. Residents were asked to conserve water.
State Highway 1 was closed between Kawakawa and Moerewa by extensive surface flooding on the 20th. The Kawakawak-Paihia road was temporarily closed.
Flooding
at
Kirikopuni
Roads and bridges in the Kirikopuni valley were impassable due to flooding.
High Wind / Gust
at
Mamaranui
A man was taken to hospital with minor injuries after a falling tree struck his vehicle on State Highway 12 near Mamaranui on the 21st.
Flooding
A teenage boy was rescued from the roof of his car after he drove into a flooded dip on State Highway 12 near Mamaranui around 6:45pm on the 20th. After he was rescued, his car was swept off the road and submerged in flood waters.
Multi Hazard
State Highway 12 at Mamaranui was closed on the morning of the 21st.
Flooding
at
Mangakahia River
The Mangakahia River was in flood and reached a 15-year high.
Roads and bridges in the Mangakahia valley were impassable due to flooding.
High Wind / Gust
at
Mangawhai
Roofs were blown off in Mangawhai.
High Wind / Gust
at
Mangonui
State Highway 10 at Mangonui was temporarily closed after a tree came down on the road.
Flooding
at
Maungaturoto
Residents in Maungaturoto were advised to boil their drinking water until further notice.
Flooding
at
Moerewa
Moerewa residents were asked to conserve water after the Kawakawa treatment plant was put out of action.
Heavy Rain
at
Ohaeawai
Ohaeawai recorded 202.5 mm (20.3 cm) of rain from 12am on the 17th to 7:30am on the 21st.
Heavy Rain
at
Opouteke
Opouteke recorded 211.5 mm (21.2 cm) of rain from 12am on the 17th to 7:30am on the 21st.
Heavy Rain
at
Oruru
Oruru recorded 193 mm (19.3 cm) of rain from 12am on the 17th to 7:30am on the 21st.
Flooding
at
Otiria
Five homes were evacuated at Otiria on the 21st when they were threatened by flood waters.
Flooding
at
Paihia
Debris blocked the intake for the Paihia/ Waitangi water scheme. Residents were asked to conserve water.
Maritime / Coastal
at
Parua Bay
A yacht slipped its mooring near Parua Bay on the 20th and was driven ashore near Headland Farmpark.
High Wind / Gust
at
Pataua
Roofs were blown off or damaged in Pataua North.
Heavy Rain
at
Puhipuhi
Puhipuhi recorded 240 mm (24.0 cm) of rain from 12am on the 17th to 7:30am on the 21st.
High Wind / Gust
at
Ruakaka
Roofs were damaged at Ruakaka.
Flooding
at
Taheke
Floods caused problems at Taheke.
Flooding
at
Tangiteroria
The flooding that occurred at Tangiteroria was almost as severe as that of Cyclone Bola.
High Wind / Gust
State Highway 14 near Tangiteroria was blocked by a huge macrocarpa tree for four hours on the 21st.
Flooding
at
Tangowahine
Roads and bridges in the Tangowahine valley were impassable due to flooding.
High Wind / Gust
at
Te Kopuru
At Te Kopuru, high winds shifted a large shed half a metre off its foundations.
Heavy Rain
at
Twin Bridges
Twin Bridges recorded almost 195 mm (19.5 cm) of rain from 12am on the 17th to 7:30am on the 21st.
Flooding
at
Waihue
Roads and bridges in the Waihue valley were impassable due to flooding.
Flooding
at
Waipu
Flooding closed Glenmohr and McLeans Roads at Waipu on the 20th.
High Wind / Gust
at
Waipu Cove
Roofs were damaged at Waipu Cove.
Flooding
at
Wairua River
The Wairua River reached a 15-year high.
Heavy Rain
at
Whangarei
Whangarei recorded 100 mm (10.0 cm) of rain in the 18 hours from 12am to 6pm on the 20th.
Whangarei recorded 193 mm (19.3 cm) of rain from 12am on the 17th to 7:30am on the 21st.
Flooding
Flooding closed Kaka Street on the 20th. Other Whanagrei roads were also flooded.
Landslide
A house was pushed from its foundations by a large slip and pushed 20m down a slope in Paranui Valley Road, Tikipunga, just after 10pm on the 20th. The slip also crushed the family's two cars. A house above the landslide had 70 m of their backyard left with a 30-metre drop.
The family got out of the house just as mud began oozing in through the windows. The residents of the house at the top of the landslide were advised by police to leave for the night.
High Wind / Gust
A roof was damaged at the Mairtown Kindergarten.
A branch dropped on the Western Hills Bypass , temporarily blocking two lanes on the 20th.
Multi Hazard
Whangarei Boys High School, Whangarei Girls' High School and Kamo High School closed shortly after midday on the 20th due to threat of gales, heavy rain and flooding.
Maritime / Coastal
at
Whangarei Harbour
A kayaker had to be winched to safety from Whangarei Harbour after he ventured out into the heavy seas on the morning of the 20th.
Flooding
at
Whangarei Heads
Flooding closed Whangarei Heads Road on the 20th.
Flooding
at
Whirinaki
Floods caused problems at Whirinaki.
Auckland
Multi Hazard
at
Auckland
Police had received over 600 calls related to the weather since 4pm on the 20th.
There were a couple of minor road accidents in the region.
High Wind / Gust
High easterly winds lashed Auckland.
Roofs were lifted.
Power lines were brought down. Up to 11,000 homes in West Auckland, the North Shore and Wellsford were without power for much of the night of the 20th.
Flooding
There was surface flooding in some places.
A car crashed on the northern motorway after losing control on the flooded road.
High Wind / Gust
at
Auckland City
A central Auckland roof was blown off in the storm. A claim was made for $159,186 ($190,500 2008 dollars).
The Sky Tower recorded a wind gust of 123 km/hr.
High Wind / Gust
at
Hauraki Gulf
The Hauraki Gulf recorded easterly gusts of up to 150 km/hr.
Heavy Rain
at
Leigh
Record rainfall was recorded at the Marine Observatory at Leigh.
High Wind / Gust
at
Musick Point
Musick Point recorded peak winds of 124 km/hr.
High Wind / Gust
at
Northcote
A man was severely injured after a tree fell on him in Northcote.
High Wind / Gust
at
Takapuna
A thick 3m panel of glass was punched out of a skylight in a Takapuna shopping centre, showering about 30 people below with glass.
High Wind / Gust
at
Tiritiri Matangi Island
Tiritiri Matangi Island recorded wind gusts of 160 km/hr.
High Wind / Gust
at
Waitemata Harbour
Wind gusts on the Auckland Harbour Bridge reached 90 km/hr on the afternoon of the 20th.
Drivers of high-sided vehicles and motorcyclists were warned not to cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
Maritime / Coastal
at
Westhaven
A floating tourist office at Westhaven Marina was flooded and several small boats were blown ashore but not damaged.
Waikato
Multi Hazard
at
Waikato
Heavy rain and strong easterly winds battered the Coromandel and Waikato areas on the night of the 20th.
The storm focused itself on the eastern part of the region: the Thames coast, Te Aroha, Matamata, Tirau, Putaruru and Tokoroa.
The storm damage was considered to be worse than the aftermath of Cyclone Bola and the floods of 1993.
Some places on the Coromandel Peninsula had their power cut from about 10pm on the 20th. There were power outages from south of Thames northwards, with over 20,000 homes without electricity. Some of the areas on the coast road worst hit by the storm were still without power on the 22nd and thousands of residents were without power until after the 22nd.
Damage was done to wastewater and water supply systems, leaving some parts of the Coromandel Peninsula without a water supply. The reservoir emptied on the 21st when the intake was blocked by storm debris. Some of the upper areas were still without water on the 22nd.
Considerable damage was done to private properties. Boats, cars, and caravans were wrecked as torrential rain swept mud and debris through seaside settlements. Buildings were damaged and fences and trees brought down.
Roads were closed due to flood waters and slips. The coast road, State Highway 25, from Thames to Coromandel was closed from the early hours of the 21st. The road was re-opened at first light on the 22nd, but was still partially blocked by fallen trees, mud slides and downed power poles.
A house on the Coromandel Peninsula damaged by the storm made a claim for $163,618 ($195,800 2008 dollars).
The damage was estimated to cost millions.
State Insurance had logged 3,700 claims within 12 hours.
Two people were seriously injured.
The Thames-Coromandel District Council's estimated response costs: Thames-Coromandel District Council $562,000 ($669,000 2008 dollars); Environment Waikato $131,000 ($156,000 2008 dollars); Transit NZ $750,000 ($893,000 2008 dollars); House/Property damage $3.1million ($3,690,000 2008 dollars); Total: $5million ($5.4million 2008 dollars).
The South Waikato District Council's estimated response costs: $550,000 mainly for roading ($655,000 2008 dollars); House/Property damage $220,000 ($262,000 2008 dollars); Total $770,000 ($917,000 2008 dollars).
The damage totalled $13 million ($15,480,000 2008 dollars).
Flooding
Intense convective rain led to flooding in the Coromandel.
Police were involved in a number of rescues on the Coromandel Peninsula overnight on the 20th.
The areas or streams affected in the Thames-Coromandel District included: Whangarahi, Tapu, Waiomu, Pohue, Te Puru, Tararu and many more smaller streams along the Thames Coast.
Flood waters swept over the Thames Coast Road. A police officer travelling on the highway overnight had to abandon his car, and it was last seen with water rising to the level of the windscreen.
Between Tararu and Waikawau, 356 properties were inundated.
It was one of the worst known 'blanket events' to strike the Thames Coast.
A Civil Defence State of Emergency was delcared in Thames Coast district, lasting from 3:03am on the 21st to 5:00pm on the 24th.
Extreme damage was done. Silt, dirt and debris from the storm still lined Coromandel streets on 12th July.
It was estimated to be a 100 year event.
Insurance Claims totalled 14,500 as at 2nd August.
Insurance payments as at 2nd August were estimated to total $25,000,000 ($29,770,000 2008 dollars).
A Civil Defence State of Emergency was delcared in the Putararu and Tirau Wards of the South Waikato District, lasting from 8:00am on the 21st to 5pm on the 23rd.
The flooding was said to be a 150 year event.
200 houses and 500 people were evacuated, including residents from Waikawau, Tapu, Tarau and Te Puru. At least 40 people were evacuated from camping grounds on the Coromandel Peninsula.
More than 350 properties on Coromandel Peninsula suffered water and silt damage.
The railway line between Hamilton and Kinleith was washed out south of Tirau.
Stream infilling and damage was caused.
Heavy Rain
Many areas in th Thames-Coromandel District recorded rainfall totals over 100 mm (10.0 cm).
High Wind / Gust
Dozens of houses lost their roofs in Matamata, Thames, Coromandel, Te Aroha, Hamilton and Huntly.
North-easterly wind gusts up to 120 km/hr were recorded.
Landslide
The Thames Coast road on State Highway 25 was blocked by several slips.
Avalanches of mud and debris were swept onto narrow coastal flats, devastating small holiday settlements along State Highway 25.
Heavy Rain
at
Coromandel
Coromandel recorded 215.5 mm (21.6 cm) of rain in 24 hours on the 20th.
Coromandel recorded 88.5 mm (8.9 cm) of rain in 90 minutes on the 20th.
Coromandel township recorded 125 mm (12.5 cm) of rain in 25 minutes (unofficial). This had a Return Period well over 150 years.
Flooding
50 homes in Coromadel were inundated.
Multi Hazard
at
Hamilton
There were several minor road accidents around Hamilton.
Power was cut to some places on the night of the 20th. The power was still off in some areas on the city outskirts on the morning of the 21st.
Hamilton recorded wind gusts of up to 82 km/hr.
High Wind / Gust
Hamilton recorded winds with an average speed of 50 km/hr.
High Wind / Gust
at
Karapiro
A vehicle hit a tree across the road near Karapiro.
Flooding
at
Kauaeranga River
The Kauaeranga River reached a level equivalent to a 5-year event.
Multi Hazard
at
Kinleith
The Kinleith branch railway line was closed.
Multi Hazard
at
Kopu
The traffic lights on the Kopu bridge between Ngatea and Thames were not working on the morning of the 21st.
High Wind / Gust
at
Matamata
High winds blew over a silo, power lines and fences around Matamata.
The countryside was littered with broken trees.
Flooding
Farm paddocks were under water and many shops and houses were flooded.
The road between Matamata and Te Poi was closed.
Flooding
at
Oraka Stream
The Oraka Stream reached a level equivalent to a 100-year event.
Heavy Rain
at
Paeroa
Paeroa recorded 120 mm (12.0 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Paeroa recorded 33 mm (3.0 cm) of rain in one hour.
Flooding
at
Pokaiwhenua Stream
The Pokaiwhenua Stream reached a level equivalent to a 100-year event.
Flooding
at
Port Charles
23 homes in Port Charles were inundated.
Heavy Rain
at
Putaruru
Putaruru recorded over 200 mm (20.0 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Putaruru recorded 120 mm (12.0 cm) of rain in two hours. This was a 100-year event (Environment Waiakto) or well over a 150-year event (MetService).
Flooding
There was heavy flooding in Putaruru, with low-lying areas under water.
Putaruru was cut off by flooding on the 21st.
A state of emergency was declared in Putaruru on the 21st.
Six schools in Putaruru and Tirau were closed.
Residents were evacuated from their homes.
There were power outages and a water shortage. The town water supply reservoirs were only 10% full. 18,000 Putaruru and Tirau residents were without water.
Rescue staff had to use a front-end loader to rescue a mother and young baby from a home that was cut off by flood waters.
Flooding
at
Tairua River
The Tairua River reached a level equivalent to a 5-year event.
Heavy Rain
at
Tapu
Tapu recorded 200 mm (20.0 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Tapu recorded 83 mm (8.3 cm) of rain the hour from 11.30pm on the 20th to 12.30am on the 21st. This was a 100-year event (Environment Waikato) or over a 150-year event (MetService).
Flooding
Flooding was thought to be more serious at the townships of Te Puru, Waiomu and Tapu, north of Thames.
Residents of Tapu were forced to leave their flooded homes in the early hours of the morning.
Flooding
at
Tararu
Residents of Tararu were forced to leave their flooded homes in the early hours of the morning.
Heavy Rain
at
Te Aroha
Te Aroha recorded 157 mm (15.7 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Te Aroha recorded 97 mm (9.7 cm) of rain in one hour. This was a 100-year event (Environment Waikato) or over a 150-year event (MetService).
Flooding
at
Te Puru
Flooding was thought to be more serious at the townships of Te Puru, Waiomu and Tapu, north of Thames.
Heavy Rain
at
Thames
Heavy rain hit Thames in two waves overnight on the 20th/21st. The second wave was around 4am.
Thames Airfield recorded 45 mm (4.5 cm) of rain in one hour.
High Wind / Gust
"Horrendous" winds swept the town on the 20th and at times during the night.
The winds ripped the roofs off some buildings in the town.
Thames recorded wind gusts of up to 120 km/hr.
Thames recorded winds with an average speed of 70 km/hr.
Flooding
Flood waters washed debris through the town, but the affects were not too serious.
The Karaka River at Thames reached a level equivalent to a 50-year event.
Multi Hazard
Thames and the surrounding area were without power from about 10pm on the 20th.
Some telephone services in Thames were also disrupted.
The town's water supply was disrupted.
Heavy Rain
at
Thornton Bay
Thorndon Bay recorded 150 mm (15.0 cm) of rain in two hours. This had a Return Period of well over 150 years.
Flooding
at
Tirau
There was heavy flooding in Tirau.
Residents of Tirau were forced to leave their flooded homes in the early hours of the morning.
Six schools in Putaruru and Tirau were closed.
There were power outages and a water shortage after the water supply was lost. 18,000 Putaruru and Tirau residents were without water. A water supply had to be trucked in to Tirau from Tokoroa.
Flooding
at
Tokoroa
State Highway 32 between Tokoroa and Mangakino was closed.
High Wind / Gust
Tokoroa recorded wind gusts of up to 80 km/hr.
Tokoroa recorded winds with an average speed of 30 km/hr.
Heavy Rain
at
Waharoa
Waharoa recorded 91 mm (9.1 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Waharoa recorded 74 mm (7.4 cm) of rain in the hour from 12:45am to 1:45am on the 21st. This was a 100-year event.
Heavy Rain
at
Waiomu
Waiomu recorded 160 mm (16.0 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Waiomu recorded 31 mm (3.1 cm) of rain in 15 minutes. This had a Return Period of 140 years.
Flooding
Flooding was thought to be more serious at the townships of Te Puru, Waiomu and Tapu, north of Thames.
Waiomu Stream burst its banks on the night of the 20th, swamping Waiomu Holiday Park. Caravans were swept around like toys.
A 65-year-old woman was drowned after being swept out to sea by flood waters from Waiomu Holiday Park at about 1am on the 21st. Her and her husband had awoken to find their caravan surrounded by the flood waters, and tried to escape.
The flood waters peaked at 1.5 m.
A person was injured at Waiomu.
Flooding
at
Waitoa River
The Waitoa River reached a level equivalent to a 20-year event.
Heavy Rain
at
Wharepoa
Wharepoa recorded 114 mm (11.4 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Wharepoa recorded 60 mm (6.0 cm) of rain in the hour from 12am to 1am on the 21st. This was a 100-year event.
Bay of Plenty
High Wind / Gust
at
Bay of Plenty
Large parts of the region were without power overnight.
Flooding
at
Mamaku
State Highway 5 at Mamaku was closed by flooding.
High Wind / Gust
at
Rotorua
Wind damage was reported in Rotorua.
High Wind / Gust
at
Tauranga
Wind damage was reported in Tauranga.
Maritime / Coastal
at
Whakatane
The storm caused a 1-metre-high swell in the harbour at Whakatane.
The Whakatane harbourmaster's boat sank at its mooring early on the morning of the 21st. Ten other boats were also damaged.
High Wind / Gust
High winds blew down trees and powerlines in the Whakatane district.
A couple of houses lost their roofs.
Manawatu-Wanganui
Multi Hazard
at
Manawatu-Wanganui
Insurance claims for property damage stretched to south of Palmerston North.
References
- Environment Waikato. History of Flood Events on the Thames Coast.
- Environment Waikato Flood Document (CD).
- Gray, W. Overview of weather and coastal hazards in the Northland region, Part I: Weather hazards.
- Headline: Flood threatens township.
- The Kauri Coast Advocate, 24 June 2002.
- Major weather events in New Zealand, Floods and High Rainfall, Floods to 30 Sept 2005.
- Meteorological Society of New Zealand (Inc.). Newsletter 90, September 2002.
- Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management. (2003). 'Wet and Wild'. June 2003, Volume 20.
- Headline: Stormy weather lashes North Island, harbour bridge warning.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, Source: NZPA, 20 June 2002, 4:10pm.
- Headline: Wind and rain tipped to batter north.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, Source: NZ Herald and NZPA, 20 June 2002.
- Headline: Coastguard reports little damage from big storm.
- The New Zealand Herald, 21 June 2002.
- Headline: Helicopter search fails to find missing woman near Thames.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, 21 June 2002, 10:00am.
- Headline: Tree topples on man as storm rages.
- The New Zealand Herald, 21 June 2002.
- Headline: Woman missing in storm-battered Coromandel.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, 21 June 2002.
- Headline: Flood carries woman to sea.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, Source: NZ Herald and NZPA, 22 June 2002.
- Headline: Havoc reigns as storm moves on.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, 22 June 2002.
- Headline: State of civil emergency extended in Coromandel.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, Source: NZPA and Northern Advocate, 22 June 2002, 11:45am.
- Headline: Winter's 'bomb' drenches north…but work goes on.
- The New Zealand Herald, 22 June 2002.
- Headline: Millions of dollars claimed after storm, many people uninsured.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, Source: NZPA, 24 June 2002, 11:45pm.
- Headline: Row over flood cover.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, 25 June 2002.
- Headline: Flood relief 'delights' Thames-Coromandel mayor.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, 26 June 2002.
- Headline: Hard line on insurance adds to storm's impact.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, 29 June 2002.
- Headline: Flooding costs insurers $21 million.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, Source: NZPA, 5 July 2002.
- Headline: Waikato and Coromandel residents wait for flooding.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, Source: NZ Herald and NZPA, 12 July 2002.
- Headline: Flood work bill causes rates to rocket.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, 29 August 2003.
- New Zealand Meteorological Service. (2008). Meteorology of Extreme Rainfalls in New Zealand (Mark Pascoe, Ed.).
- Niwa wind file.
- Headline: North receives heavy rain warning.
- The Northern Advocate, 20 June 2002.
- Headline: Thrill-seeking kayaker in 'extreme' conditions.
- The Northern Advocate, 21 June 2002.
- Headline: Water, water everywhere: Wind, rainstorm batter Northland.
- The Northern Advocate, 21 June 2002.
- Headline: Big blow wreaks wet havoc across North.
- The Northern Advocate, 22 June 2002.
- Headline: Slide smashes Tikipunga home.
- The Northern Advocate, 22 June 2002.
- Headline: Landslide family find solace in little things.
- The Northern Advocate, 25 June 2002.
- Headline: Storm insurance claims run into millions.
- The Northern Advocate, 25 June 2002.
- Headline: Bad weather costs insurers $25m yearly.
- The Press, 8 January 2003.
- Headline: Emergency declared in Putaruru.
- The Waikato Times, 21 June 2002.
- Headline: Large areas left without electricity.
- The Waikato Times, 21 June 2002.
- Headline: Woman in caravan swept out to sea.
- The Waikato Times, 21 June 2002.
- Headline: State of emergency remains.
- The Waikato Times, 22 June 2006.
- Headline: Storm cleanup to cost millions.
- The Waikato Times, 22 June 2002.