NZ Historic Weather Events Catalogue

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ModerateAugust 2008 Central New Zealand Heavy Rain ( 2008-08-02 )

The third storm of three in a one-week period. Heavy rain and thunderstorms throughout central New Zealand caused further damage, particularly in Wellington where landslips caused evacuations.

New Zealand

Multi HazardMulti Hazard at New Zealand
Comments:

CommentMetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 11:23 am 01-Aug-2008: Another period of stormy weather expected over the weekend. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: Taranaki and the hill country inland to Mt Ruapehu and Taupo, including Waitomo, Taumarunui and the headwaters of the Whanganui River, also eastern Bay of Plenty.

CommentMetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 8:40 pm 01-Aug-2008: Another period of stormy weather expected over the weekend – Tararuas added to rain warning. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: Taranaki and the hill country inland to Mt Ruapehu and Taupo, including Waitomo, Taumarunui and the headwaters of the Whanganui River, also eastern Bay of Plenty, also the Tararuas.

CommentMetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 8:58 am 02-Aug-2008: Another period of stormy weather expected over the weekend. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: Taranaki and the hill country inland to Mt Ruapehu and Taupo, including Waitomo, Taumarunui and the headwaters of the Whanganui River, also eastern Bay of Plenty, the Tararua Ranges, the ranges of Nelson, the Richmond Ranges and Marlborough Sounds, and STRONG WIND WARNING for: Taranaki, the Central North Island high country and Hawkes Bay.

CommentMetService SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH issued at 09:09 am Saturday 02 August 2008. This watch affects people in the following weather forecast districts: Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Waitomo, Taumarunui, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Gisborne and Taranaki.

CommentMetService SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH issued at 03:35 pm Saturday 02 August 2008. This watch affects people in the following weather forecast districts: Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Waitomo, Taumarunui, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Gisborne and Taranaki.

CommentMetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 8:07 pm 02-Aug-2008: Further heavy rain about the Central North Island high country and upper South Island overnight and on Sunday, severe gale westerlies about the Central North Island on Sunday. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: Mt Taranaki, the Central North Island high country, eastern Bay of Plenty, the Tararua Ranges, the ranges of Nelson, the Richmond Ranges and the Marlborough Sounds, and STRONG WIND WARNING for: Taranaki, the Central North Island high country and Hawkes Bay.

CommentMetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 11:24 pm 02-Aug-2008: Further heavy rain about the Central North Island high country and upper South Island overnight and on Sunday, severe gale westerlies about the Central North Island on Sunday. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: Mt Taranaki, the Central North Island high country, eastern Bay of Plenty, the Tararua Ranges, the ranges of Nelson, the Richmond Ranges and the Marlborough Sounds, and STRONG WIND WARNING for: Taranaki, the Central North Island high country and Hawkes Bay.

CommentMetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 9:00 am 03-Aug-2008: Heavy rain easing in most areas this morning, severe gale westerlies about Central North Island easing this afternoon. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: Bay of Plenty east of Whakatane and the Tararua Range, and STRONG WIND WARNING for: Taranaki, the Central North Island high country and Hawkes Bay. WARNINGS NO LONGER IN FORCE: Heavy Rain Warning lifted for Mt Taranaki, the Central North Island high country, the ranges of Nelson, the Richmond Ranges and the Marlborough Sounds.

CommentMetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 4:51 pm 03-Aug-2008: Winds about Central North Island have eased, rain about eastern Bay of Plenty ranges has eased but some heavy falls still likely in Tararuas and Mt Taranaki until morning. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: the Tararua Ranges and Mt Taranaki. WARNINGS NO LONGER IN FORCE: Heavy Rain Warning lifted for Bay of Plenty east of Whakatane, and Strong Wind Warning lifted for Taranaki, the Central North Island high country and Hawkes Bay.

CommentMetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 8:10 pm 03-Aug-2008: Rain heavy at times overnight on the Tararuas and Mt Taranaki. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: the Tararua Ranges and Mt Taranaki.

CommentMetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 7:55 am 04-Aug-2008: Heavy rain has now eased. WARNINGS NO LONGER IN FORCE: Heavy Rain Warning lifted for the Tararua Range and Mt Taranaki.

CommentThe storm was faster moving than the pevious two storms, and brought with it gale force winds and more heavy rain.

DurationFrom the afternoon of the 2nd August until the 6th August.

CauseOn the 2nd, a low pressure deepened in the Tasman Sea, and associated fronts crossed northern and central New Zealand overnight on the 2nd/3rd. The system was fast-moving, and by later on the 3rd a disturbed south-westerly flow covered the country.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain
Comments:

ImpactBy 2nd August, rugby games for 7000 juniors and 6000 secondary school players had been cancelled as councils tried to dry soaked fields.

LightningLightning
Comments:

CommentThere were some thunderstorms around Central New Zealand early morning on the 5th.

Waikato

FloodingFlooding at Waikato
Comments:

CommentThe Waipa River system and the Waikato River were running high. The Waikato River was flowing at about three times its normal rate and threatened to flood SH1 north of Mercer.

ImpactSome low-lying dairy farms had water-covered paddocks. Many farmers were forced to buy extra feed for animals or pay for grazing elsewhere as they waited for flood waters and pooling to drain away. Stock condition deteriorated due to wet conditions. Mastitis became an animal health issue for farmers and some farmers faced hefty veterinary bills.

FloodingFlooding at Hamilton
Map Location: -37.780816 175.272836
Comments:

CasualtiesA man (21 years old) drowned in the flood-swollen Waikato River after falling off the Victoria Bridge at about 11:20pm on the 2nd. He had been leaning over the railing when he lost his footing. Two of his teammates tried to rescue him, but the fast current carried the man downstream and he went under and never came back up.

FloodingFlooding at Huntly
Map Location: -37.559942 175.162339
Comments:

ImpactHuntly College was closed on the 4th and 5th due to the rising level of the Waikato River and because there was sewerage as well as water and mud everywhere. On the 4th, the high water table was forcing seepage through the ground, with mini lakes forming on the riverside of the school.

Physical CharacteristicSome of the Huntly College grounds were already covered by 20-30 cm of water on the 4th.

Physical CharacteristicAt 7am on the 4th, the Waikato River level was 10.3 m at the Huntly power station.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Lake Taupo
Map Location: -38.758971 175.886469
Comments:

CommentOn the morning of the 3rd, Lake Taupo was only 11 cm below its maximum storage level of 357.25m after heavy overnight rain.

LandslideLandslide at Mangaotaki River
Map Location: -38.493475 174.931006
Comments:

Affected LifelineA rockfall late on the night of the 3rd after a week of heavy rain completely covered SH3 at the Mangaotaki Gorge, between Piopio and Mahoenui. The road was closed soon after falling rocks hit a car at about 11pm and was closed all day on the 4th and the 5th with the threat of huge boulders coming down.

FloodingFlooding at Mangatawhiri
Map Location: -37.218013 175.120224
Comments:

CommentOn the morning of the 4th, the river was about 10 cm from the top of the stopbank at Mangatawhiri.

FloodingFlooding at Mercer
Map Location: -37.280396 175.051333
Comments:

Peak Water LevelOn a Mercer farm, water was more than 1 m deep in places and covered about 100ha of the 320ha property. The sharemilker's house was almost completely surrounded by water. Water had been pooling for about 10 days after recent relentless rain.

Maritime / CoastalMaritime / Coastal at Mokau
Map Location: -38.698095 174.617661
Comments:

DamageThe coastal settlement of Mokau had been badly hit by severe erosion from high seas whipped up by northerly storms for the last forntnight, endangering seafront properties. The tide on the night of the 3rd was the worst. On the 4th the locals awoke to find massive damage, including the wreckage of a large shed that had crashed down from a private property onto Mokau Beach below.

Physical CharacteristicPeople living along the waterfront said they had lost at least 5 m of land in recent days.

Multi HazardMulti Hazard at Rangiriri West
Map Location: -37.440603 175.115856
Comments:

CasualtiesThree people were killed when a van and a car collided on Glen Murray Rd near Rangiriri at about 8pm on the 2nd. Driving wind and rain had made for low visibility at the time of the crash. A car travelling west had lost control, crossed the centre line and collided with a van. The van driver and the two men in the car died at the scene.

FloodingFlooding at Tirau
Map Location: -37.980454 175.754274
Comments:

Damage CostTirau Primary School endured extensive flooding due to relentless heavy rain, too much water from a storm water drain at the back of the school and runoff from SH27. In the first few weeks of August $2000 of newly laid bark in the adventure playground had been washed away.

Bay of Plenty

Maritime / CoastalMaritime / Coastal at Bay of Plenty
Comments:

CommentBeaches in the Bay of Plenty were being buried under debris.

Gisborne

LandslideLandslide at Gisborne
Comments:

ImpactSome East Cape pupils missed school for the third day running (4th-6th) because they could not get to Gisborne due to the closure of SH35.

LandslideLandslide at Kemps Hill
Map Location: -37.8633 178.32475
Comments:

Affected LifelineA stretch of SH35 at Kemps Hill between Ruatoria and Tikitiki was closed due to subsidence on the 3rd. A rotating slip dropped the road by about 2 m vertically and moved it between 2-4 m horizontally. On the 11th the slip face was reopened all day to one-lane traffic.

Taranaki

Multi HazardMulti Hazard at Taranaki
Comments:

CommentHeavy rain and winds started to buffet the region at 4pm on the 2nd.

LightningLightning
Comments:

CommentThere were some thunderstorms around Taranaki early morning on the 5th.

LightningLightning at Eltham
Map Location: -39.426207 174.302281
Comments:

Property DamageA house in Eltham was damaged by lightning on the 5th.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Mount Taranaki
Map Location: -39.295865 174.063806
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicMetservice recorded up to 170 mm (17 cm) of rain on Mt Taranaki in the 24 hours to 8pm on the 2nd.

Manawatu-Wanganui

LandslideLandslide at Manawatu Gorge
Map Location: -40.31792 175.798027
Comments:

Affected LifelineSH3 through the Manawatu Gorge was completely blocked by a large slip on the evening of the 2nd. It was cleared by 7pm.

LandslideLandslide at Taumarunui
Comments:

Affected LifelineA slip fell across the entire road on SH43 at Hospital Hill, just south of Taumarunui, on the 2nd.

Multi HazardMulti Hazard at Weraroa
Map Location: -40.640564 175.2828
Comments:

CommentA tornado occurred in Weraroa at around 3:55am on the 4th amidst torrential rain.

TornadoTornado
Comments:

Property DamageThe tornado ripped through a property in Kimberly Rd, Weraroa, as residents awoke to hear what sounded like trains coming towards their house. The tornado appeared to have started near the neighbours' woolshed before striking the house and garage. The garage was almost totally destroyed, about 20 trees were lost, and the house suffered extensive structural damage and was left with warped floors. The cars in the driveway must have been lifted by the force of the tornado as there were items stuck under the wheels. The family had no water afterwards as their water tank was ripped off the roof during the tornado. The neighbours' 60-year-old woolshed was destroyed, and sections of corrugated iron roof were scattered up to 1.5 kilometres away.

DurationThe tornado lasted about 10 seconds.

Wellington

LightningLightning at Wellington
Comments:

CommentWellington had heavy rain overnight on the 2nd, along with dramatic thunder and lightning.

LandslideLandslide
Comments:

CommentThere were 29 serious landslips in Wellington between the 2nd and the 7th August after the heavy weekend rain. Large slips were reported in Aro Valley, Roseneath, Mornington, Miramar, Kilbirnie, Mt Cook, Houghton Bay, Kelburn, Northland, Karori and Khandallah.

CommentHeavy rain spurred the most Wellington landslips in 10 years. As at the 6th August, Wellington had a total of 300 landslips since the start of July.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicWellington received 36 mm (3.6 cm) of rain.

Physical CharacteristicWellington had received 69 mm (6.9 cm) of rain in the month up to the 6th August.

LandslideLandslide at Brooklyn
Map Location: -41.308887 174.757306
Comments:

Affected LifelineA slip came down overnight on the 4th, partially blocking Ohiro Rd in Brooklyn. The road was down to one lane on the 5th while the slip was cleared.

LandslideLandslide at Khandallah
Map Location: -41.247297 174.794448
Comments:

CommentThere was a slip on Onslow Rd.

LandslideLandslide at Kilbirnie
Map Location: -41.315095 174.793009
Comments:

CommentThere was a slip on Crawford Rd in Kilbirnie.

LandslideLandslide at Mornington
Map Location: -41.315805 174.761372
Comments:

DamageA 15-cubic-metre slip in Farnham St in the suburb of Mornington covered most of the road, undermined a public accessway and damaged two cars just after 9am on the 3rd.

LandslideLandslide at Point Howard
Map Location: -41.251723 174.911823
Comments:

EvacueesA home was evacuated after a landslide at Point Howard at about 9pm on the 6th.

Affected LifelineThe landslip blocked the road to Eastbourne. About 100 Eastbourne residents were stranded on the Hutt Valley side of the slip. Some left their cars and walked home after both lanes were closed because of safety concerns. The road was re-opened on the morning of the 7th.

LandslideLandslide at Red Rocks
Map Location: -41.358658 174.726659
Comments:

CommentThere was a slip near Red Rocks on the south coast, which brought down boulders weighing up to eight tonnes.

LandslideLandslide at Roseneath
Map Location: -41.291388 174.797141
Comments:

EvacueesTwo residents of a Palliser Rd property in Roseneath were evacuated by midday on the 4th as ground continued to fall away. This was the second most serious slip after the Devon St slip. It came down in the backyard of the property, taking away a garden wall and a lot of the backyard. The residents were allowed to return on the night of the 4th.

Affected LifelinePalliser Rd in Roseneath was closed except to residents on the 4th while the slip was cleaned up. Debris and parts of a brick wall had slidden onto the street.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Tararua Range
Map Location: -41.02991 175.273568
Comments:

CommentThe Tararua Ranges were already receiving a drenching on the morning of the 2nd.

LandslideLandslide at Wellington City
Map Location: -41.288771 174.777069
Comments:

EvacueesFive students were evacuated by police on the 3rd from a house in Devon St in the suburb of Aro Valley after a large slip at 6am left it perched precariously with exposed piles on one corner of the house. The residents were unable to return for days. Debris fell onto Devon St 20m below, near the hairpin bend, blocking the road and mud pushed a car off the road onto the footpath, leaving it teetering over a bank. Occupants from surrounding houses were also told to leave.

Affected LifelineDevon St was closed to traffic from the 3rd until further notice while engineers investigated the slip.

Affected LifelineThere were also slips on Patanga Cres in Thorndon and Salamanca Rd on the 2nd. Another slip came down overnight on the 4th, partially blocking Tinakori Rd in Thorndon near the Hutt Road intersection. The road was down to one lane on the 5th while the slip was cleared.

Marlborough

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Marlborough
Comments:

CommentHeavy rain on the evening of the 2nd raised levels of fords and rivers around Marlborough again.

LandslideLandslide
Comments:

Affected LifelineQueen Charlotte Drive in the Marlborough Sounds suffered further slips, with the road down to one lane in a number of places.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Blenheim
Map Location: -41.517124 173.949021
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicMetService recorded 40.6 mm (4.1 cm) of rain in Blenheim in the 24-hour period until 9am on the 3rd.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

Affected LifelineOld Renwick Road out of Blenheim remained severed by the Omaka River on the 3rd.

ImpactIn central Blenheim, the Taylor River rose slightly with the additional rain. The recreational reserve was closed.

LandslideLandslide at Para
Map Location: -41.373589 173.936788
Comments:

ImpactOvernight on the 2nd, traffic was slowed on SH1 at Para Swamp because of a slip.

FloodingFlooding at Renwick
Map Location: -41.510411 173.825829
Comments:

Affected LifelineOvernight on the 2nd, Brookby Rd and Hawkesbury Rd were closed because of flooding.

High Wind GustsHigh Wind / Gust
Comments:

Affected LifelineOvernight on the 2nd, Waihopai Valley Rd was closed because of fallen trees.

LandslideLandslide at Weld Pass
Map Location: -41.589255 174.043624
Comments:

ImpactOvernight on the 2nd, traffic was slowed on SH1 at Weld Pass because of a slip.

Tasman-Nelson

FloodingFlooding at Stoke
Map Location: -41.316799 173.23246
Comments:

DamageThe Stoke Volunteer Fire Brigade had a busy weekend responding to floods and damage caused by heavy rain.

CommentFirefighters were called to a badly flooded house in Devon St at 7.45pm on the 2nd.

High Wind GustsHigh Wind / Gust
Comments:

DamageA gust of wind blew roofing off a Marsden Rd house at around 8.30pm on the 2nd.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain
Comments:

DamageAt a house on Cherry Ave, the build-up of water from a leaking roof caused the ceiling to collapse on the 3rd.

References

Headline: Third storm in a week batters the country.
3news.co.nz, Source: 3 News, 2 August 2008, 5:50pm.
Headline: Hopes for one lane access at Coast slip.
www.gisborneherald.co.nz, 6 August 2008.
Headline: Stock finally rolling past highway slip.
www.gisborneherald.co.nz, 12 August 2008.
Meteorological Society of New Zealand (Inc.). (2008). Climate summary for Winter 2008. Newsletter 114, September 2008. 9-10
Headline: Slips close more roads.
www.newstalkzb.co.nz, 2 August 2008, 6:04pm.
Headline: Manawatu Gorge reopens.
www.newstalkzb.co.nz, 2 August 2008, 6:48pm.
Headline: Man disappears into river.
www.newstalkzb.co.nz, 3 August 2008, 7:04am.
Headline: House teeters on edge of slip.
www.newstalkzb.co.nz, 3 August 2008, 10:24am.
Headline: Over 20 Wellington landslips.
www.newstalkzb.co.nz, 3 August 2008, 1:12pm.
Headline: River levels being monitored.
www.newstalkzb.co.nz, 3 August 2008, 1:20pm.
Headline: Slip drives out residents.
www.newstalkzb.co.nz, 3 August 2008, 2:20pm.
Headline: Huntly college closed.
www.newstalkzb.co.nz, 3 August 2008, 5:08pm.
Headline: Hamilton search called off.
www.newstalkzb.co.nz, 3 August 2008, 5:24pm.
Headline: Insurance costs spiral as third storm nears.
www.nzherald.co.nz, Source: NZ Herald and Newstalk ZB, 2 August 2008, 12:51pm.
Headline: House evacuated after slip, third storm batters NZ.
www.nzherald.co.nz, 3 August 2008, 11:20am.
Headline: Flood threat closes Huntly College.
www.nzherald.co.nz, 4 August 2008, 7:03pm.
Headline: Flood pumps keep water out of college.
www.nzherald.co.nz, 5 August 2008, 8:17am.
Headline: Two more slips partially block Wellington roads.
www.nzherald.co.nz, 5 August 2008, 9:52am.
Headline: At-risk homes may lose cover for slips.
www.nzherald.co.nz, 10 August 2008, 5:00am.
Headline: Police name man missing after falling in Waikato River.
www.radionz.co.nz, 3 August 2008, 3:46pm.
Headline: Fears of more slips in Wellington region.
www.radionz.co.nz, 4 August 2008, 5:13am.
Headline: Slips, road closures as stormy weather returns.
www.radionz.co.nz, 4 August 2008, 7:42am.
Headline: Flooding expected on some Waikato farmland.
www.radionz.co.nz, 4 August 2008, 5:04pm.
Headline: After the deluge.
www.radionz.co.nz, 4 August 2008, 9:12pm.
Headline: Heavy rain causes slips all over Wellington.
www.scoop.co.nz, Source: Wellington City Council, 4 August 2008, 1:30am.
Headline: Wellington house evacuated after slips.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: NZPA, 3 August 2008.
Headline: Third storm rages on while crews clean up.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Sunday News, 3 August 2008.
Headline: Family terrified as tornado rips through home.
www.stuff.co.nz, 4 August 2008.
Headline: Devastating tide of mud.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Dominion Post, 4 August 2008.
Headline: After the rains, the tornado.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Dominion Post, 5 August 2008.
Headline: Wellington couple evacuated as lawn slips away.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Dominion Post, 5 August 2008.
Headline: Heavy rain spurs most Wellington landslips for 10 years.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Dominion Post, 6 August 2008.
Headline: Eastbourne road closed.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Dominion Post, 7 August 2008.
Headline: Eastbourne road re-opened after slip.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Dominion Post, 7 August 2008.
Headline: Worst of slips cleared.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Dominion Post, 8 August 2008.
Headline: Tornado pulls buildings apart.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Manawatu Standard, 5 August 2008.
Headline: House may be doomed.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Marlborough Express, 4 August 2008.
Headline: Thar she flows repaired water pipe eased into service.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Nelson Mail, 4 August 2008.
Headline: Third storm hits Taranaki.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: The Press and NZPA, 2 August 2008.
Headline: Roads stay closed, rivers run high despite sun.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: The Press, 4 August 2008.
Headline: Rockfall in gorge blocks highway at Mahoenui.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Taranaki Daily News, 5 August 2008.
Headline: Emergency meeting on Mokau erosion.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Taranaki Daily News, 5 August 2008.
Headline: Boulder threat keeps road closed to travellers.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Taranaki Daily News, 6 August 2008.
Headline: Bid fails to save mate.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Waikato Times, 4 August 2008.
Headline: Crash in wild weather kills three, prompts warning.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Waikato Times, 4 August 2008.
Headline: College closes as river threatens.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Waikato Times, 4 August 2008.
Headline: Marooned by the flood.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Waikato Times and NZPA, 6 August 2008.
Headline: Double hit costs farmers.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Waikato Times, 13 August 2008.
Headline: Students struggle to dry out as flood plagues school.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Waikato Times, 20 August 2008.
Headline: Weather warnings for Nth Island centre.
tvnz.co.nz, Source: Newstalk ZB, 2 August 2008, 10:08am.
Headline: Third storm in a week to hit soon.
tvnz.co.nz, Source: ONE News, 2 August 2008, 6:20pm.
Headline: Flood alert in Waikato.
tvnz.co.nz, Source: ONE News, 4 August 2008, 11:01am.
Headline: Waikato River continues to rise.
tvnz.co.nz, Source: ONE News, 4 August 2008, 7:02pm.
Headline: Waikato flood hits school, farms.
tvnz.co.nz, Source: ONE News, 5 August 2008, 7:01am.
Headline: House hit by slip demolished.
tvnz.co.nz, Source: ONE News, 7 August 2008, 10:21am.
MetService Email Lists

ModerateAugust 2008 Central New Zealand Heavy Rain ( 2008-08-02 )

The third storm of three in a one-week period. Heavy rain and thunderstorms throughout central New Zealand caused further damage, particularly in Wellington where landslips caused evacuations.

New Zealand

Multi HazardMulti Hazard at New Zealand
Comments:

CommentMetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 11:23 am 01-Aug-2008: Another period of stormy weather expected over the weekend. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: Taranaki and the hill country inland to Mt Ruapehu and Taupo, including Waitomo, Taumarunui and the headwaters of the Whanganui River, also eastern Bay of Plenty.

CommentMetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 8:40 pm 01-Aug-2008: Another period of stormy weather expected over the weekend – Tararuas added to rain warning. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: Taranaki and the hill country inland to Mt Ruapehu and Taupo, including Waitomo, Taumarunui and the headwaters of the Whanganui River, also eastern Bay of Plenty, also the Tararuas.

CommentMetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 8:58 am 02-Aug-2008: Another period of stormy weather expected over the weekend. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: Taranaki and the hill country inland to Mt Ruapehu and Taupo, including Waitomo, Taumarunui and the headwaters of the Whanganui River, also eastern Bay of Plenty, the Tararua Ranges, the ranges of Nelson, the Richmond Ranges and Marlborough Sounds, and STRONG WIND WARNING for: Taranaki, the Central North Island high country and Hawkes Bay.

CommentMetService SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH issued at 09:09 am Saturday 02 August 2008. This watch affects people in the following weather forecast districts: Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Waitomo, Taumarunui, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Gisborne and Taranaki.

CommentMetService SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH issued at 03:35 pm Saturday 02 August 2008. This watch affects people in the following weather forecast districts: Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Waitomo, Taumarunui, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Gisborne and Taranaki.

CommentMetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 8:07 pm 02-Aug-2008: Further heavy rain about the Central North Island high country and upper South Island overnight and on Sunday, severe gale westerlies about the Central North Island on Sunday. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: Mt Taranaki, the Central North Island high country, eastern Bay of Plenty, the Tararua Ranges, the ranges of Nelson, the Richmond Ranges and the Marlborough Sounds, and STRONG WIND WARNING for: Taranaki, the Central North Island high country and Hawkes Bay.

CommentMetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 11:24 pm 02-Aug-2008: Further heavy rain about the Central North Island high country and upper South Island overnight and on Sunday, severe gale westerlies about the Central North Island on Sunday. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: Mt Taranaki, the Central North Island high country, eastern Bay of Plenty, the Tararua Ranges, the ranges of Nelson, the Richmond Ranges and the Marlborough Sounds, and STRONG WIND WARNING for: Taranaki, the Central North Island high country and Hawkes Bay.

CommentMetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 9:00 am 03-Aug-2008: Heavy rain easing in most areas this morning, severe gale westerlies about Central North Island easing this afternoon. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: Bay of Plenty east of Whakatane and the Tararua Range, and STRONG WIND WARNING for: Taranaki, the Central North Island high country and Hawkes Bay. WARNINGS NO LONGER IN FORCE: Heavy Rain Warning lifted for Mt Taranaki, the Central North Island high country, the ranges of Nelson, the Richmond Ranges and the Marlborough Sounds.

CommentMetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 4:51 pm 03-Aug-2008: Winds about Central North Island have eased, rain about eastern Bay of Plenty ranges has eased but some heavy falls still likely in Tararuas and Mt Taranaki until morning. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: the Tararua Ranges and Mt Taranaki. WARNINGS NO LONGER IN FORCE: Heavy Rain Warning lifted for Bay of Plenty east of Whakatane, and Strong Wind Warning lifted for Taranaki, the Central North Island high country and Hawkes Bay.

CommentMetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 8:10 pm 03-Aug-2008: Rain heavy at times overnight on the Tararuas and Mt Taranaki. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: the Tararua Ranges and Mt Taranaki.

CommentMetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 7:55 am 04-Aug-2008: Heavy rain has now eased. WARNINGS NO LONGER IN FORCE: Heavy Rain Warning lifted for the Tararua Range and Mt Taranaki.

CommentThe storm was faster moving than the pevious two storms, and brought with it gale force winds and more heavy rain.

DurationFrom the afternoon of the 2nd August until the 6th August.

CauseOn the 2nd, a low pressure deepened in the Tasman Sea, and associated fronts crossed northern and central New Zealand overnight on the 2nd/3rd. The system was fast-moving, and by later on the 3rd a disturbed south-westerly flow covered the country.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain
Comments:

ImpactBy 2nd August, rugby games for 7000 juniors and 6000 secondary school players had been cancelled as councils tried to dry soaked fields.

LightningLightning
Comments:

CommentThere were some thunderstorms around Central New Zealand early morning on the 5th.

Waikato

FloodingFlooding at Waikato
Comments:

CommentThe Waipa River system and the Waikato River were running high. The Waikato River was flowing at about three times its normal rate and threatened to flood SH1 north of Mercer.

ImpactSome low-lying dairy farms had water-covered paddocks. Many farmers were forced to buy extra feed for animals or pay for grazing elsewhere as they waited for flood waters and pooling to drain away. Stock condition deteriorated due to wet conditions. Mastitis became an animal health issue for farmers and some farmers faced hefty veterinary bills.

FloodingFlooding at Hamilton
Map Location: -37.780816 175.272836
Comments:

CasualtiesA man (21 years old) drowned in the flood-swollen Waikato River after falling off the Victoria Bridge at about 11:20pm on the 2nd. He had been leaning over the railing when he lost his footing. Two of his teammates tried to rescue him, but the fast current carried the man downstream and he went under and never came back up.

FloodingFlooding at Huntly
Map Location: -37.559942 175.162339
Comments:

ImpactHuntly College was closed on the 4th and 5th due to the rising level of the Waikato River and because there was sewerage as well as water and mud everywhere. On the 4th, the high water table was forcing seepage through the ground, with mini lakes forming on the riverside of the school.

Physical CharacteristicSome of the Huntly College grounds were already covered by 20-30 cm of water on the 4th.

Physical CharacteristicAt 7am on the 4th, the Waikato River level was 10.3 m at the Huntly power station.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Lake Taupo
Map Location: -38.758971 175.886469
Comments:

CommentOn the morning of the 3rd, Lake Taupo was only 11 cm below its maximum storage level of 357.25m after heavy overnight rain.

LandslideLandslide at Mangaotaki River
Map Location: -38.493475 174.931006
Comments:

Affected LifelineA rockfall late on the night of the 3rd after a week of heavy rain completely covered SH3 at the Mangaotaki Gorge, between Piopio and Mahoenui. The road was closed soon after falling rocks hit a car at about 11pm and was closed all day on the 4th and the 5th with the threat of huge boulders coming down.

FloodingFlooding at Mangatawhiri
Map Location: -37.218013 175.120224
Comments:

CommentOn the morning of the 4th, the river was about 10 cm from the top of the stopbank at Mangatawhiri.

FloodingFlooding at Mercer
Map Location: -37.280396 175.051333
Comments:

Peak Water LevelOn a Mercer farm, water was more than 1 m deep in places and covered about 100ha of the 320ha property. The sharemilker's house was almost completely surrounded by water. Water had been pooling for about 10 days after recent relentless rain.

Maritime / CoastalMaritime / Coastal at Mokau
Map Location: -38.698095 174.617661
Comments:

DamageThe coastal settlement of Mokau had been badly hit by severe erosion from high seas whipped up by northerly storms for the last forntnight, endangering seafront properties. The tide on the night of the 3rd was the worst. On the 4th the locals awoke to find massive damage, including the wreckage of a large shed that had crashed down from a private property onto Mokau Beach below.

Physical CharacteristicPeople living along the waterfront said they had lost at least 5 m of land in recent days.

Multi HazardMulti Hazard at Rangiriri West
Map Location: -37.440603 175.115856
Comments:

CasualtiesThree people were killed when a van and a car collided on Glen Murray Rd near Rangiriri at about 8pm on the 2nd. Driving wind and rain had made for low visibility at the time of the crash. A car travelling west had lost control, crossed the centre line and collided with a van. The van driver and the two men in the car died at the scene.

FloodingFlooding at Tirau
Map Location: -37.980454 175.754274
Comments:

Damage CostTirau Primary School endured extensive flooding due to relentless heavy rain, too much water from a storm water drain at the back of the school and runoff from SH27. In the first few weeks of August $2000 of newly laid bark in the adventure playground had been washed away.

Bay of Plenty

Maritime / CoastalMaritime / Coastal at Bay of Plenty
Comments:

CommentBeaches in the Bay of Plenty were being buried under debris.

Gisborne

LandslideLandslide at Gisborne
Comments:

ImpactSome East Cape pupils missed school for the third day running (4th-6th) because they could not get to Gisborne due to the closure of SH35.

LandslideLandslide at Kemps Hill
Map Location: -37.8633 178.32475
Comments:

Affected LifelineA stretch of SH35 at Kemps Hill between Ruatoria and Tikitiki was closed due to subsidence on the 3rd. A rotating slip dropped the road by about 2 m vertically and moved it between 2-4 m horizontally. On the 11th the slip face was reopened all day to one-lane traffic.

Taranaki

Multi HazardMulti Hazard at Taranaki
Comments:

CommentHeavy rain and winds started to buffet the region at 4pm on the 2nd.

LightningLightning
Comments:

CommentThere were some thunderstorms around Taranaki early morning on the 5th.

LightningLightning at Eltham
Map Location: -39.426207 174.302281
Comments:

Property DamageA house in Eltham was damaged by lightning on the 5th.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Mount Taranaki
Map Location: -39.295865 174.063806
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicMetservice recorded up to 170 mm (17 cm) of rain on Mt Taranaki in the 24 hours to 8pm on the 2nd.

Manawatu-Wanganui

LandslideLandslide at Manawatu Gorge
Map Location: -40.31792 175.798027
Comments:

Affected LifelineSH3 through the Manawatu Gorge was completely blocked by a large slip on the evening of the 2nd. It was cleared by 7pm.

LandslideLandslide at Taumarunui
Comments:

Affected LifelineA slip fell across the entire road on SH43 at Hospital Hill, just south of Taumarunui, on the 2nd.

Multi HazardMulti Hazard at Weraroa
Map Location: -40.640564 175.2828
Comments:

CommentA tornado occurred in Weraroa at around 3:55am on the 4th amidst torrential rain.

TornadoTornado
Comments:

Property DamageThe tornado ripped through a property in Kimberly Rd, Weraroa, as residents awoke to hear what sounded like trains coming towards their house. The tornado appeared to have started near the neighbours' woolshed before striking the house and garage. The garage was almost totally destroyed, about 20 trees were lost, and the house suffered extensive structural damage and was left with warped floors. The cars in the driveway must have been lifted by the force of the tornado as there were items stuck under the wheels. The family had no water afterwards as their water tank was ripped off the roof during the tornado. The neighbours' 60-year-old woolshed was destroyed, and sections of corrugated iron roof were scattered up to 1.5 kilometres away.

DurationThe tornado lasted about 10 seconds.

Wellington

LightningLightning at Wellington
Comments:

CommentWellington had heavy rain overnight on the 2nd, along with dramatic thunder and lightning.

LandslideLandslide
Comments:

CommentThere were 29 serious landslips in Wellington between the 2nd and the 7th August after the heavy weekend rain. Large slips were reported in Aro Valley, Roseneath, Mornington, Miramar, Kilbirnie, Mt Cook, Houghton Bay, Kelburn, Northland, Karori and Khandallah.

CommentHeavy rain spurred the most Wellington landslips in 10 years. As at the 6th August, Wellington had a total of 300 landslips since the start of July.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicWellington received 36 mm (3.6 cm) of rain.

Physical CharacteristicWellington had received 69 mm (6.9 cm) of rain in the month up to the 6th August.

LandslideLandslide at Brooklyn
Map Location: -41.308887 174.757306
Comments:

Affected LifelineA slip came down overnight on the 4th, partially blocking Ohiro Rd in Brooklyn. The road was down to one lane on the 5th while the slip was cleared.

LandslideLandslide at Khandallah
Map Location: -41.247297 174.794448
Comments:

CommentThere was a slip on Onslow Rd.

LandslideLandslide at Kilbirnie
Map Location: -41.315095 174.793009
Comments:

CommentThere was a slip on Crawford Rd in Kilbirnie.

LandslideLandslide at Mornington
Map Location: -41.315805 174.761372
Comments:

DamageA 15-cubic-metre slip in Farnham St in the suburb of Mornington covered most of the road, undermined a public accessway and damaged two cars just after 9am on the 3rd.

LandslideLandslide at Point Howard
Map Location: -41.251723 174.911823
Comments:

EvacueesA home was evacuated after a landslide at Point Howard at about 9pm on the 6th.

Affected LifelineThe landslip blocked the road to Eastbourne. About 100 Eastbourne residents were stranded on the Hutt Valley side of the slip. Some left their cars and walked home after both lanes were closed because of safety concerns. The road was re-opened on the morning of the 7th.

LandslideLandslide at Red Rocks
Map Location: -41.358658 174.726659
Comments:

CommentThere was a slip near Red Rocks on the south coast, which brought down boulders weighing up to eight tonnes.

LandslideLandslide at Roseneath
Map Location: -41.291388 174.797141
Comments:

EvacueesTwo residents of a Palliser Rd property in Roseneath were evacuated by midday on the 4th as ground continued to fall away. This was the second most serious slip after the Devon St slip. It came down in the backyard of the property, taking away a garden wall and a lot of the backyard. The residents were allowed to return on the night of the 4th.

Affected LifelinePalliser Rd in Roseneath was closed except to residents on the 4th while the slip was cleaned up. Debris and parts of a brick wall had slidden onto the street.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Tararua Range
Map Location: -41.02991 175.273568
Comments:

CommentThe Tararua Ranges were already receiving a drenching on the morning of the 2nd.

LandslideLandslide at Wellington City
Map Location: -41.288771 174.777069
Comments:

EvacueesFive students were evacuated by police on the 3rd from a house in Devon St in the suburb of Aro Valley after a large slip at 6am left it perched precariously with exposed piles on one corner of the house. The residents were unable to return for days. Debris fell onto Devon St 20m below, near the hairpin bend, blocking the road and mud pushed a car off the road onto the footpath, leaving it teetering over a bank. Occupants from surrounding houses were also told to leave.

Affected LifelineDevon St was closed to traffic from the 3rd until further notice while engineers investigated the slip.

Affected LifelineThere were also slips on Patanga Cres in Thorndon and Salamanca Rd on the 2nd. Another slip came down overnight on the 4th, partially blocking Tinakori Rd in Thorndon near the Hutt Road intersection. The road was down to one lane on the 5th while the slip was cleared.

Marlborough

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Marlborough
Comments:

CommentHeavy rain on the evening of the 2nd raised levels of fords and rivers around Marlborough again.

LandslideLandslide
Comments:

Affected LifelineQueen Charlotte Drive in the Marlborough Sounds suffered further slips, with the road down to one lane in a number of places.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Blenheim
Map Location: -41.517124 173.949021
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicMetService recorded 40.6 mm (4.1 cm) of rain in Blenheim in the 24-hour period until 9am on the 3rd.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

Affected LifelineOld Renwick Road out of Blenheim remained severed by the Omaka River on the 3rd.

ImpactIn central Blenheim, the Taylor River rose slightly with the additional rain. The recreational reserve was closed.

LandslideLandslide at Para
Map Location: -41.373589 173.936788
Comments:

ImpactOvernight on the 2nd, traffic was slowed on SH1 at Para Swamp because of a slip.

FloodingFlooding at Renwick
Map Location: -41.510411 173.825829
Comments:

Affected LifelineOvernight on the 2nd, Brookby Rd and Hawkesbury Rd were closed because of flooding.

High Wind GustsHigh Wind / Gust
Comments:

Affected LifelineOvernight on the 2nd, Waihopai Valley Rd was closed because of fallen trees.

LandslideLandslide at Weld Pass
Map Location: -41.589255 174.043624
Comments:

ImpactOvernight on the 2nd, traffic was slowed on SH1 at Weld Pass because of a slip.

Tasman-Nelson

FloodingFlooding at Stoke
Map Location: -41.316799 173.23246
Comments:

DamageThe Stoke Volunteer Fire Brigade had a busy weekend responding to floods and damage caused by heavy rain.

CommentFirefighters were called to a badly flooded house in Devon St at 7.45pm on the 2nd.

High Wind GustsHigh Wind / Gust
Comments:

DamageA gust of wind blew roofing off a Marsden Rd house at around 8.30pm on the 2nd.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain
Comments:

DamageAt a house on Cherry Ave, the build-up of water from a leaking roof caused the ceiling to collapse on the 3rd.

References

Headline: Third storm in a week batters the country.
3news.co.nz, Source: 3 News, 2 August 2008, 5:50pm.
Headline: Hopes for one lane access at Coast slip.
www.gisborneherald.co.nz, 6 August 2008.
Headline: Stock finally rolling past highway slip.
www.gisborneherald.co.nz, 12 August 2008.
Meteorological Society of New Zealand (Inc.). (2008). Climate summary for Winter 2008. Newsletter 114, September 2008. 9-10
Headline: Slips close more roads.
www.newstalkzb.co.nz, 2 August 2008, 6:04pm.
Headline: Manawatu Gorge reopens.
www.newstalkzb.co.nz, 2 August 2008, 6:48pm.
Headline: Man disappears into river.
www.newstalkzb.co.nz, 3 August 2008, 7:04am.
Headline: House teeters on edge of slip.
www.newstalkzb.co.nz, 3 August 2008, 10:24am.
Headline: Over 20 Wellington landslips.
www.newstalkzb.co.nz, 3 August 2008, 1:12pm.
Headline: River levels being monitored.
www.newstalkzb.co.nz, 3 August 2008, 1:20pm.
Headline: Slip drives out residents.
www.newstalkzb.co.nz, 3 August 2008, 2:20pm.
Headline: Huntly college closed.
www.newstalkzb.co.nz, 3 August 2008, 5:08pm.
Headline: Hamilton search called off.
www.newstalkzb.co.nz, 3 August 2008, 5:24pm.
Headline: Insurance costs spiral as third storm nears.
www.nzherald.co.nz, Source: NZ Herald and Newstalk ZB, 2 August 2008, 12:51pm.
Headline: House evacuated after slip, third storm batters NZ.
www.nzherald.co.nz, 3 August 2008, 11:20am.
Headline: Flood threat closes Huntly College.
www.nzherald.co.nz, 4 August 2008, 7:03pm.
Headline: Flood pumps keep water out of college.
www.nzherald.co.nz, 5 August 2008, 8:17am.
Headline: Two more slips partially block Wellington roads.
www.nzherald.co.nz, 5 August 2008, 9:52am.
Headline: At-risk homes may lose cover for slips.
www.nzherald.co.nz, 10 August 2008, 5:00am.
Headline: Police name man missing after falling in Waikato River.
www.radionz.co.nz, 3 August 2008, 3:46pm.
Headline: Fears of more slips in Wellington region.
www.radionz.co.nz, 4 August 2008, 5:13am.
Headline: Slips, road closures as stormy weather returns.
www.radionz.co.nz, 4 August 2008, 7:42am.
Headline: Flooding expected on some Waikato farmland.
www.radionz.co.nz, 4 August 2008, 5:04pm.
Headline: After the deluge.
www.radionz.co.nz, 4 August 2008, 9:12pm.
Headline: Heavy rain causes slips all over Wellington.
www.scoop.co.nz, Source: Wellington City Council, 4 August 2008, 1:30am.
Headline: Wellington house evacuated after slips.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: NZPA, 3 August 2008.
Headline: Third storm rages on while crews clean up.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Sunday News, 3 August 2008.
Headline: Family terrified as tornado rips through home.
www.stuff.co.nz, 4 August 2008.
Headline: Devastating tide of mud.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Dominion Post, 4 August 2008.
Headline: After the rains, the tornado.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Dominion Post, 5 August 2008.
Headline: Wellington couple evacuated as lawn slips away.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Dominion Post, 5 August 2008.
Headline: Heavy rain spurs most Wellington landslips for 10 years.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Dominion Post, 6 August 2008.
Headline: Eastbourne road closed.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Dominion Post, 7 August 2008.
Headline: Eastbourne road re-opened after slip.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Dominion Post, 7 August 2008.
Headline: Worst of slips cleared.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Dominion Post, 8 August 2008.
Headline: Tornado pulls buildings apart.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Manawatu Standard, 5 August 2008.
Headline: House may be doomed.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Marlborough Express, 4 August 2008.
Headline: Thar she flows repaired water pipe eased into service.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Nelson Mail, 4 August 2008.
Headline: Third storm hits Taranaki.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: The Press and NZPA, 2 August 2008.
Headline: Roads stay closed, rivers run high despite sun.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: The Press, 4 August 2008.
Headline: Rockfall in gorge blocks highway at Mahoenui.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Taranaki Daily News, 5 August 2008.
Headline: Emergency meeting on Mokau erosion.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Taranaki Daily News, 5 August 2008.
Headline: Boulder threat keeps road closed to travellers.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Taranaki Daily News, 6 August 2008.
Headline: Bid fails to save mate.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Waikato Times, 4 August 2008.
Headline: Crash in wild weather kills three, prompts warning.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Waikato Times, 4 August 2008.
Headline: College closes as river threatens.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Waikato Times, 4 August 2008.
Headline: Marooned by the flood.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Waikato Times and NZPA, 6 August 2008.
Headline: Double hit costs farmers.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Waikato Times, 13 August 2008.
Headline: Students struggle to dry out as flood plagues school.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Waikato Times, 20 August 2008.
Headline: Weather warnings for Nth Island centre.
tvnz.co.nz, Source: Newstalk ZB, 2 August 2008, 10:08am.
Headline: Third storm in a week to hit soon.
tvnz.co.nz, Source: ONE News, 2 August 2008, 6:20pm.
Headline: Flood alert in Waikato.
tvnz.co.nz, Source: ONE News, 4 August 2008, 11:01am.
Headline: Waikato River continues to rise.
tvnz.co.nz, Source: ONE News, 4 August 2008, 7:02pm.
Headline: Waikato flood hits school, farms.
tvnz.co.nz, Source: ONE News, 5 August 2008, 7:01am.
Headline: House hit by slip demolished.
tvnz.co.nz, Source: ONE News, 7 August 2008, 10:21am.
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