NZ Historic Weather Events Catalogue
February 2004 North Island Storm
(
2004-02-14
)
5-150 years
A storm brought high winds, heavy rain, flooding and slips to much fo the North Island as well as the upper South Island. The lower North Island was severely affected, with 100-year floods in Manawatu-Wanganui and 50-year floods in Wellington causing millions of dollars of damage. Thousands of people were evacuated. Two people drowned in the sea at Wellington and one person was presumed drowned in the Marlborough Sounds. Trees felled on houses caused injuries to a girl in Wellington and a woman in Auckland. A person was also injured after felled power lines started a house fire.
New Zealand
Multi Hazard
at
New Zealand
Duration: 6 days - From the 14th to the 19th of February.
The synoptic situation was markedly similar to that of the 1897 event - a deep low moving slowly eastwards over the North Island. A strong south-east airstream affected the southern half of the North Island. Rainfalls on the lee side of the Ruahine Range were almost as high as those in the east - an intrusion from the north of dry air with high Isentropic Potential Vorticity added deep instability to the mix. It resulted from a polar outbreak more typical of winter - but temperatures were much higher, and precipitation amounts correspondingly were much greater. There was also the presence of a striated cloud head over the southern North Island as well as striated delta further east. Striations over the North Island were moving westwards, with both wavelength and amplitude increasing with time and distance downstream, suggesting that energy was being fed into the system.
A 'cold-pool' low (a depression with a core of cold air) became stationary just to the east of Hawke's Bay, and intensified as warm moist air from the tropics collided with the colder air from Antarctica.
Intense rainfall and gale force winds from the 15th to the 23rd affected the lower North Island and top of South Island with extensive and severe flooding and some wind damage.
This was considered the largest widespread natural disaster to strike New Zealand in 20 years.
North Island
High Wind / Gust
at
North Island
Westerly gales blasted over the North Island on the 14th.
High winds toppled trees, blocking roads and bringing down power lines.
Wind gusts of up to 120 km/hr were recorded around the North Island on the 15th.
Flooding
In the lower North Island, 6000 gas users were affected. The main gas pipeline from the Manawatu to Hawke's Bay was closed.
Areas badly affected: the towns of Scotts Ferry, Waitotara, Fielding, Tangimoana, Longburn, Marton and Hunterville.
Areas affected as nearby rivers flooded: the towns of Woodville, Waipurakau and Martinborough, and the city of Wanganui.
1014 farms were flood-damaged.
5000 sheep, and 600-1000 dairy cattle were lost.
20,000 ha of farmland were under water.
In the lower North Island, 2300 people were evacuated.
A week after the flooding started, around 1000 people remained homeless. Three months later 400 homes were still uninhabitable, with 922 people still out of their homes.
Local authorities described the floods as the most devastating in over 100 years.
There was a major shortage of vegetables in the lower North Island after the floods, and the price of most vegetables increased by over 200% on the 25th as result. Much of the produce destined for Wellington shelves was destroyed by the floods in the Manawatu.
Multi Hazard
The North Island experienced a weekend of heavy rain, high winds, plummeting temperatures, thunderstorms and hail on the 14th and 15th.
Firefighters in the top half of the North Island responded to over 20 weather-related incidents on the 14th.
The brunt of the heavy rain and gale force winds was borne by the South Taranaki, Wanganui, Rangitikei and Manawatu districts.
100 schools in Manawatu, Wairarapa and Wellington were closed.
In the lower North Island, up to 40,000 homes, businesses and schools were affected by power cuts. 550 homes were still without power on the 20th. A week after the flooding started, power and telephones were still out in some areas.
Road closures were widespread in the lower North Island. Dozens of roads were still inaccessible a week after the floods began.
Widespread rail closures occurred. The Napier-Gisborne railway line was re-opened on the evening of the 20th. The Marton to New Plymouth railway line would take an estimated seven days to repair. The main trunk rail line between Auckland and Wellington was still closed on the 21st after it was washed out north of Taihape.
In the lower North Island, 5000 homes were without phone services.
Fonterra could not collect milk from the lower North Island for 48 hours. They had to dump more than 10 million litres of milk - a total cost to the company of $5 million ($5,800,000 2008 dollars).
The dairy industry had not been affected so badly by a single event since the Edgecumbe earthquake.
The short-term impact (cost of damage and economic impact) from the floods and wind damage in the lower North Island was estimated at $300 million ($348,000,000 2008 dollars).
The damage to roads was estimated at $65 million ($75,000,000 2008 dollars).
The damage to farms was estimated at $159-189 million ($185,000,000-$219,000,000 2008 dollars).
Private claims totalled $100 million ($116,000,000 2008 dollars).
IAG had received 3500 insurance claims by the 20th.
Insurance Payouts totalled $112.0 million ($130,000,000 2008 dollars).
Uninsured damage was estimated at $200 million ($230,000,000 2008 dollars).
Damage to roads and bridges totalled $77.6 million ($90,100,000 2008 dollars). 9300 km of roads were closed, and more than 20 bridges were damaged.
Damage to rivers totalled $24 million ($28,000,000 2008 dollars).
Soil conservation work totalled $10 million ($12,000,000 2008 dollars).
Donations included: $700,000 from viewers of TVNZ's Holmes show, $150,000 from Wrightson, $50,000 from ANZ, $25,000 from BNZ and $20,000 from Red Cross appeals.
This was the fourth most expensive natural disaster since 1968.
Heavy Rain
Widespread rainfall totalling 65-150 mm in 24 hours occurred in population centers throughout the south-western North Island, from Taranaki to Wellington, in southern Hawke's Bay and in Wairarapa.
Up to 300 mm (30.0 cm) of rain fell in some places.
This was New Zealand's most widespread high rainfall event, in terms of the number and percentage of stations recording 100-year ARI totals, on record. Rainfalls exceeded a 150 year return period over a wide area.
Auckland
High Wind / Gust
at
Auckland
High winds in Auckland overnight on the 15th/16th knocked down trees and sent rubbish bins rolling into streets.
Hundreds of homes in West Auckland were without power.
High Wind / Gust
at
Auckland International Airport
Auckland Airport was closed to domestic flights at around 9:30pm on the 15th.
High Wind / Gust
at
Konini
Trees brought down power lines and caused a switchboard fire in a house on the 14th.
One person in the house was treated for smoke inhalation.
High Wind / Gust
at
Lincoln
A truck crashed into a tree that had blown across the North-western Motorway near Lincoln Road on the 15th. Traffic was diverted for about an hour from 9pm.
Hail
at
Pukekohe
Pukekohe was hit by hail in February, which destroyed much of its vegetable crop yield.
High Wind / Gust
at
Takapuna
A woman was trapped under a tree and seriously injured after the tree went through the roof of her Takapuna house on the 15th. She was taken to hospital with head injuries.
Waikato
High Wind / Gust
at
Waikato
Several trees were blown down on State Highway 3 between Te Kuiti and Awakino on the 15th.
High Wind / Gust
at
Te Kuiti
State Highway 3 at Te Kuiti was closed on the 14th when a tree blocked the road.
High Wind / Gust
at
Te Pahu
Most of the roof of a Te Pahu house was blown off on the 14th.
Bay of Plenty
High Wind / Gust
at
Ngongotaha
High winds toppled a tree in Ngongotaha shortly before daylight on the 14th, and knocked the corner off a house.
The toppled tree also brought down power lines.
Tornado
at
Okere Falls
A small tornado ripped through Lake Rotoiti Holiday Park at about 5am on the 14th.
Trees were uprooted and the camp ground was left covered in debris. A 24-metre gum tree was plucked from a neighbouring property and dumped on the camp grounds.
The tornado only lasted for a matter of seconds.
Power, telephone and water supplies were all cut.
Gisborne
Heavy Rain
at
East Cape
East Cape recorded 129 mm (12.9 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Hawke's Bay
Multi Hazard
at
Hawke's Bay
A rainstorm hit Central Hawke's Bay on the 15th, with southerly winds and heavy rain.
Disruption to the gas supply was a significant issue.
Flooding
The Tukituki River reached a five-year level.
Low-lying valleys suffered from debris deposits, fences and gates demolished, and tracks and roads closed or completely destroyed.
Landslide
Many slips occurred.
Tornado
A tornado ripped through paddocks on a central Hawke's Bay farm on the 15th.
The tornado cut a swathe about 500m long and 15-20 m wide through the farm. It lifted century-old gum trees into the air.
Heavy Rain
at
Ben Nevis Hill
Ben Nevis recorded 103 mm (10.3 cm) of rain in 24 hours. This had a five-year return period.
Heavy Rain
at
Conisbie Farm
The Tukituki River at Shag Rock recorded 228.5 mm (22.9 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 12pm on the 16th. This had a 150-year return period.
Shag Rock recorded 48 mm (4.8 cm) of rain in one hour on the 15th (Return Period 150 years).
Heavy Rain
at
Maharakeke
Station Road recorded 144 mm (14.4 cm) of rain in 24 hours. This had a 60-year return period.
Heavy Rain
at
Mangaorapa
Mangaorapa recorded 161.5 mm (16.2 cm) of rain in 24 hours. This had a 50-year return period.
Heavy Rain
at
Moorcock Saddle
Moorcock recorded 155 mm (15.5 cm) of rain in 24 hours. This had a 10-year return period.
Heavy Rain
at
Ongaonga
Onga Onga recorded 144 mm (14.4 cm) of rain in 24 hours. This had a 60-year return period.
Flooding
at
Otane
Surface flooding occurred in Otane.
Flooding
at
Porangahau
The Porangahau area was the worst hit by flooding on the 15th. It was the worst flooding to strike the town in decades.
Roads were flooded.
The cemetery, businesses and houses were flooded.
22 people were evacuated on the 15th - five elderly from Kaumatua Flats near the marae, seven adults and five children from three houses in the village, and two adults and three children from a house near Porangahau Beach. 25 people self-evacuated in the village near Porangahau beach.
Hundreds of ewes and lambs were killed.
The flood was 1 km wide across the flats.
Bales of silage were floating down the river.
Power and water were cut off.
The flood left layers of silt and debris.
At Porangahau Beach settlement, five houses were inundated, four with their bottom storey only inundated by surface flooding.
At Porangahau Village, 13 houses were inundated, with water of depths varying from 100 mm-250 mm. Another 17 houses had water through other buildings on the property.
The water inside homes in Porangahau Village had depths varying from 100-250 mm (10-25 cm).
Multi Hazard
The township was isolated. A slip on Wimbledon Road cut off the village, which was isolated from the beachside settlement by flooding across the flats at the camping ground on Beach Road.
Flooding
at
Takapau
Surface flooding occurred in Takapau from overflowing drains and a flooded creek.
Kaikora stream was overflowing.
Heavy Rain
at
Tekaihi
Te Kaihi recorded 167 mm (16.7 cm) of rain in 24 hours. This had a 20-year return period.
Heavy Rain
at
Tukipo River
The Tukipo River at SH50 recorded 138.5 mm (13.9 cm) of rain in 24 hours. This had a 30-year return period.
Heavy Rain
at
Waipawa
The Tukituki River at Tapairu Rd recorded 139 mm (13.9 cm) of rain in 24 hours. This had a 40-year return period.
Flooding
Surface flooding occurred in Waipawa.
Heavy Rain
at
Waipukurau
Waipukurau recorded 115.2 mm (11.5 cm) of rain in 24 hours. This had a 20-year return period.
Flooding
Surface flooding occurred in Waipukurau.
The town of Waipurakau was affected as nearby rivers flooded.
Heavy Rain
at
Wallingford
The Porangahau River at Wallingford recorded 197 mm (19.7 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 12pm on the 16th. This had a 125-year return period.
Taranaki
Multi Hazard
at
Taranaki
Taranaki experienced gale force winds and heavy rain.
Parts of Taranaki were without power for several days. People east of Strathmore to Whangamomona were without power from the afternoon of the 14th. About 600 people were still affected by power cuts on the 16th, some of whom had been without power for over 48 hours.
Schools were closed due to power cuts.
Farmers were unable to milk due to the power cuts.
A lot of roofs were blown off barns and then hay was destroyed by getting wet.
A Civil Defence Emergency was declared for the South Taranaki District at 11:00am on the 17th and lasted until the 27th.
100 people were evacuated.
There was no reticulated water supply.
The storm which ripped through Taranaki caused well over $1 million in damage to the region.
Flooding
Extensive flooding occurred.
Landslide
The total area of landsliding in the South Taranaki district was 465 hectares.
The immediate effects of the slipping were blocking of access, destruction of fences, destruction of water supply systems and disruption of farm management activites.
Severe gully erosion occurred.
High Wind / Gust
The winds caused structural damage to buildings.
A hay barn worth $20,000 ($20,300 2008 dollars) was destroyed. There could be up to 200 hay barns destroyed.
High Wind / Gust
at
Hawera
Hay barns were damaged in the Hawera/Opuanke area.
Multi Hazard
at
New Plymouth
Part of the Huatoki Walkway between Leach Street and Hempton Street was closed on the 16th.
Flooding
at
Ngutuwera
Three people were pulled from a house at Waipapa Marae as flood waters surged to sill height.
Heavy Rain
at
Normanby
Normanby recorded 64.2 mm (6.4 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 16th.
High Wind / Gust
at
Opunake
Hay barns were damaged in the Hawera/Opuanke area.
Multi Hazard
at
Patea
The Patea fire brigade was called out 17 times in 24 hours.
Rutland Street was closed.
High Wind / Gust
Severe winds were experienced.
Sand was blowing from Patea beach into a carpark.
Flooding
at
Tahora
Tahora School closed due to no water being pumped.
Flooding
at
Waitotara
Floods ravaged the Waitotara Valley on the 16th.
Access to the settement of Waiinu Beach, the Waitotara meat works and the inland settlement of Nukumaru was cut by flood waters.
Water flowed through the centre of Waitotara township. Many homes were flooded.
People self-evacuated their Waitotara homes after efforts to pump stormwater drains were abandoned.
The township was evacuated by the Fire Service on the night of the 16th due to flooding and sewage contamination. Approximately 31 residents were put up in temporary accommodation.
Water flowed 1 m deep through Waitotara school and the town hall.
A Civil Defence Emergency was declared for the Patea Ward (Waiotara Township and Waitotara Valley) on the 17th due to severe flooding.
it was the most devastating flood in the district's history.
Severe damage was done.
The township was still under water and deserted on the 17th.
Fences pushed back and debris strewn about were evidence of the force and speed with which the water moved through streets.
Two people, a 79-year-old man and an 11-year-old boy, were isolated on a marae in Waitotara Valley for most of the 18th.
There were telecommunication outages in Waitotara Valley.
There were limited water supplies on the 20th.
Some houses were condemned.
Families further upstream were isolated for days.
The meat works toward the coast were closed after the floods.
High Wind / Gust
at
Whenuakura
Livestock was killed when power lines were blown down at Whenuakura.
Manawatu-Wanganui
Flooding
at
Manawatu-Wanganui
Severe flooding occurred in the Rangitikei and Manawatu Districts when Makino Stream and the Rangitikei River breached their banks.
Certain parts of the Rangitikei District were isolated.
Telecommunication outages occurred. Pockets of phone customers in more isolated areas of the region outside Wanganui, Taihape and Waverley remained without service on the 19th. Mobile phone services were fully restored on the 20th.
Many rivers breached heir banks.
Many rivers experienced flows with a return period of over one-in-100 years.
The event in the Rangitikei District was a 100-year event.
The event in the Manawatu District was a 100-year event in certain places.
Defence resources were required in the Manawatu.
The Manawatu River peaked at its second highest flood on record, the largest being in 1902.
The Rangitikei River peaked at its third largest flood on record, after the floods of 1897 and 1926.
A Civil Defence Emergency was declared for the Rangitikei District at 2:55am on the 16th and lasted until the 17th (ended as a regional Manawatu-Wanganui declaration was being made).
A Civil Defence Emergency was declared for the Manawatu District at 3:10am on the 16th and lasted until the 17th.
A Civil Defence Emergency was declared for the Manawatu-Wanganui Region at 8:00pm on the 17th and lasted until 12am on the 25th. The declaration for the whole region ended the Rangitikei and Manawatu declarations. Conditions were similar in the Horowhenua District, and the Tararua, Ruapehu and Wanganui Districts were also affected.
Over 1000 people were evacuated. 780 people were evacuated in the Manawatu and Rangitikei districts.
530 people were evacuated in the Rangitikei District.
350 people were evacuated in the Manawatu District.
As at 5pm on the 19th, 63 people had been evacuated in the Horowhenua District.
As at 5pm on the 19th, 46 people had been evacuated in the Ruapehu District.
The event was rated on a par with Cylcone Bola (1988) for its severity and destruction. It was the biggest flood damage in the Rangitikei District in 25 years.
In the whole region, 500 houses were damaged. 160 homes were confirmed as uninhabitable, with 30 rural properties confirmed uninhabitable. In the Rangitikei, 100 homes were declared uninhabitable.
Hundreds of people were left homeless. 2500 people were displaced. On the 21st, 150 houses in the Rangitikei District remained uninhabitable, 140 houses in Manawatu, 20 houses in Horowhenua, and eight houses in the Wanganui District remained uninhabitable.
Four bridges in the region were destroyed, and 21 were seriously damaged. One bridge's supporting cables collapsed. 16 bridges were damaged in the Manawatu area.
Stock losses were estimated at 1300.
Arable crops in the Manawatu were devastated.
Considerable areas of farmland were inundated by silt and flood waters.
Large quantities of sediment were deposited in the lower reaches of rivers, causing build up in the river beds.
The flooding cost dairy farmers up to 20% of the year's income.
Civil Defence gave Horizons District Council $100,000, Manawatu District Council $150,000, Rangitikei District Council $100,000, and Wanganui and Horowhenua District Councils $75,000.
Farming damage costs to dairying totalled $41.4 million ($48,100,000 2008 dollars). This includes stock losses through drowning, interruptions to milking, crop loss, loss of pasture, damage to fences, plants and equipment, loss of grazing, loss of feed and production and loss of access.
Farming damage costs to sheep, beef and deer totalled $66 million ($77,000,000 2008 dollars). This includes stock losses through drowning, crop loss, loss of pasture, damage to fences, plants and equipment, loss of grazing, loss of feed and production and loss of access.
Farming damage costs to crops totalled $24 million ($28,000,000 2008 dollars).
Farming damage costs to forestry totalled $28-49 million ($32,000,000-$57,000,000 2008 dollars).
Multi Hazard
There were widespread water, power and gas outages to tens of thousands of people throughout the region, especially in the Rangitikei and Manawatu Districts. In the region, 1800 houses lost power. Power was still out in some places on the 19th.
There were widespread road closures throughout the region. Roading infrastructure was hit hard, with state highways closed and 60-70 % of back country roads blocked, mostly by slips. For some time after the floods, some secondary routes remained closed or passable to four-wheel drive vehicles only. The state highway closed were: SH1 between Taihape and Waiouru, SH1 on the Desert Road, SH3 west of Bulls, SH3 through Manawatu Gorge, SH4 between Wanganui and Raetihi, and SH54 between Vinegar Hill and Fielding. SH3 through Manawatu Gorge and SH4 between Wanganui and Raetihi were still closed on the 21st.
There were widespread rail closures throughout the region. The North Island Main Trunk Line from Palmerston North to Taihape was closed.
Landslide
An already wet catchment produced widespread slope failure in the hill country. There was significant erosion of hill slopes and valleys as well as land sliding.
Moderate to severe slipping occurred across 120,000 ha of hill country, and an estimated 19,000 ha of land, or approximately 200,000,000 tonnes, slipped. The region lost 100 million cubic metres of soil (one-sixth the size of Mount Ngaurahoe) - either deposited on farmland or washed out to sea.
Heavy Rain
Heavy rain exceeding 100 mm (10.0 cm) in 24 hours was recorded at 22 sites in the region.
Three sites recorded more than 200 mm (20.0 cm) of rain on the 16th.
Heavy Rain
at
Apiti
Table Flat Road, Apiti, recorded 200 mm (20.0 cm) of rain in 24 hours (Return Period 130 years).
Flooding
at
Bulls
At Bulls, the water supply was contaminated and out of action and sewerage treatment settling ponds were swept away.
Schools were closed in Bulls.
Heavy Rain
at
Cheltenham
Cheltenham recorded 253 mm (25.3 cm) of rain in six days from the 15th to the 21st. This was four times its monthly rainfall.
Heavy Rain
at
Dannevirke
Dannevirke (Pine Gr.) recorded 225 mm (22.5 cm) of rain in 24 hours (Return Period over 150 years).
Heavy Rain
at
Feilding
Feilding recorded 120 mm (12.0 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Several days of heavy rain began falling in Feilding on the 15th.
Flooding
Feilding was isolated by flooding, with many bridges washed out.
The town of Feilding was badly affected. The armed forces lent assistance, with homes and businesses flooded.
Several homes were destroyed, one being washed away. Ten Feilding homes were declared unsafe.
150 people were evacuated at Feilding. About 50 residents spent another night out on the 17th.
About 170 pupils from Hato Paora College were evacuated to Massey University.
Feilding's water supply was lost for a week after two supply pipelines were washed away. Southern Fielding had a limited water supply on the 19th.
Schools were closed.
Up to half of the Feilding district's population of 27,500 were seriously affected.
Flooding
at
Foxton
There was only minor flooding in the Foxton township, but the flood plain bordering the Manawatu River south of Foxton was under water after the Manawatu River breached its banks in several places on the 17th. Farmland was inundated.
50 people were evacuated at about 4am on the 17th.
Flooding
at
Halcombe
Water supplies were limited in Stanway, Halcombe and Waituna West.
Flooding
at
Hunterville
The town of Hunterville was badly affected.
150 people were evacuated at Hunterville.
Schools were closed in Hunterville.
Flooding
at
Kopua
Kopua recorded 176 mm (17.6 cm) of rain in 24 hours (Return Period 100 years).
Flooding
at
Levin
Horowhenua Hospital's generator failed.
Flooding
at
Longburn
The town of Longburn was badly affected.
Multi Hazard
at
Manawatu Gorge
State Highway 3 through Manawatu Gorge was closed for two months.
Flooding
at
Mangamahu
Seven families at Mangamahu had to be rescued by an Air Force helicopter.
Flooding
at
Marton
Significant flooding problems were experienced in Marton. The town was badly affected.
180 people were evacuated in Marton when Tutaenui Stream burst its banks. The Air force lifted out several people.
Schools and kindergardens were closed in Marton.
The town was isolated by flood waters.
Flooding
at
Moutoa
At Moutoa, 5000 dairy cows were evacuated along with their owners.
Flooding
at
Opiki
About 14,000 sandbags were laid along the river at Opiki.
Multi Hazard
at
Oringi
A milk train derailed at Oringi.
Flooding
at
Pahiatua
At Pahiatua, Fonterra carried out the emergency disposal of bulk quantities of milk, tipping 2000 tonnes, or 80 tanker loads, of milk into the flooded Mangatainoka River.
Heavy Rain
at
Palmerston North
Palmerston North recorded 62.6 mm (6.3 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 16th.
Palmerston North received twice its monthly rainfall in the six days from the 15th to the 21st.
Flooding
There was flooding in Palmerston North on the 15th.
Henderson's Line Bridge was unsafe and would be closed for two or three weeks.
Flooding
at
Rangiotu
The Rangiotu area was sandbagged with help from the Army on the night of the 18th to protect properties, as ponded water flowed out of paddocks.
Flooding
at
Stanway
Water supplies were limited in Stanway, Halcombe and Waituna West.
Flooding
at
Tangimoana
The town of Tangimoana and Scotts Ferry were badly affected.
300 people were evacuated at Tangimoana and 250 at Scotts Ferry as the Rangitikei River flooded. About 90 residents were spend the second night out on the 17th.
Tangimoana experienced a 50- to 100-year flood.
41 Tangimoana homes were declared uninhabitable.
Scotts Ferry suffered extensive damage, with all 50 homes in the settlement flooded.
Flooding
at
Turakina
Some farmers at Turakina lost everthing, including buildings, stock, crops, and fencing.
Heavy Rain
at
Waiouru
Waiouru recorded 134 mm (13.4 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 16th.
Flooding
at
Waituna West
Water supplies were limited in Stanway, Halcombe and Waituna West.
Heavy Rain
at
Wanganui
Wanganui recorded 158 mm (15.8 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Wanganui recorded 51 mm (5.1 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 16th.
Flooding
The city of Wanganui was affected as nearby rivers flooded.
The Whanganui River came close to the tops of its stopbanks, and the tributary Matarawa Stream flooded.
Seven families in Wanganui East were evacuated on the night of the 16th due to the flooding.
Schools and kindergardens were closed in Wanganui.
Flooding
at
Whangaehu
Residents at Whangaehu village on State Highway 3 were evacuated.
Flooding
at
Whangaehu River
The upper Whangaehu valley areas around Mangamahu were flooded. The road was cut, and families were isolated without power or communication. Supplies were airlifted through by helicopter.
Families were rescued from roof tops.
Losses to farms were extensive, as stock and crops were washed away.
The Whangaehu River reached its highest flood levels on record, and was much bigger than the flood of 1897. The river was still at flood level on the 20th.
Flooding
at
Whirokino farm
Whirkino was devastated by a stopbank breach.
About 1000 head of stock were missing.
Flooding
at
Woodville
The town of Woodville was affected as nearby rivers flooded.
There were some self-evacuations in Woodville.
Wellington
High Wind / Gust
at
Wellington
A girl was injured when a tree fell onto her bedroom.
The winds lifted roofing and blew down trees around the Wellington area on the 15th.
Heavy Rain
Wellington recorded 64 mm (6.4 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
The Kapiti Coast recorded 65 mm (6.5 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Flooding
Roads were closed out of the city. Many commuters were unable to enter Wellington.
Wellington experienced its worst flooding since 1976.
Several Wairarapa rivers flooded.
Hundreds of sheep and lambs were washed away in the Wairarapa.
The pea harvest in the Wairarapa was wiped out.
The Ruamahanga River had 50-year flows in the Wairarapa.
Multi Hazard
Power was cut due to falling trees. 2000 Wellington homes were without power. 600 Wairarapa homes were without power.
Train services were cut between Wellington and Johnsonville, Hutt Valley, Wairarapa and Paraparaumu. The Woodville to Masterton railway line was damaged.
31 roads in the Wairarapa were closed.
Five Wairarapa houses were evacuated.
A convergence zone spread into the Cook Strait area, between a cool, moist southerly flow and a milder north-east flow. The north-easterly overran the denser southerlies, leading to the rapid ascent of moist air. The slow-moving nature of the convergence zone led to some extremely heavy rainfalls.
State Highway 1 and State Highway 2 were closed on the evening of the 19th, again isolating the cities of the Wellington region by road from the rest of the North Island. Both highways were open on the 20th to a limited degree.
Flooding
at
Carterton
At Carterton, the Kaiwhatatangata River threatened State Highway 2 on the 19th.
Heavy Rain
at
Castlepoint
Castlepoint recorded 123.4 mm (12.3 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 16th.
Multi Hazard
at
Cook Strait
About 12 ferry crossings on The Interislander, Bluebridge and Lynx ferries were cancelled on the 15th due to heavy rain and gale force winds. Hundreds of passengers were affected.
Maritime / Coastal
In Cook Strait there were huge waves with swells of 5-10 m on the 15th.
The severe pitching and rolling of the Arahura ferry caused a truck to topple on to a van, and seriously damaged three cars.
High Wind / Gust
There were gusts of 160 km/hr.
Storm force winds lasted for 29 hours in Cook Strait.
Heavy Rain
at
Eastbourne
Eastbourne recorded 200 mm (20.0 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Multi Hazard
Eastbourne was cut off for most of the day on the 16th.
Maritime / Coastal
A 35-year-old fisherman drowned at Eastbourne after he went fishing in the harbour on the night of the 14th.
Landslide
Parts of Eastbourne were evacuated due to slips.
Marine Drive, between Lower Hutt and Eastbourne, was closed by a major slip on the 19th. One lane was opened on the 20th.
Heavy Rain
at
Hutt River
Hutt Valley recorded 150 mm (15.0 cm) of rain in 24 hours on the 15th.
Flooding
It was the biggest flood damage in the Hutt Valley in 25 years.
The railway service from Hutt Valley was closed.
Landslide
at
Karaka Bay
A slip ripped through a $650,000 house on Karaka Bay Road on the 17th, filling it with tonnes of rock. The rock slide and driving rain threatened to break up the two-storey home.
Part of Karaka Bay Road near Seatoun was cordoned off due to the landslide.
Heavy Rain
at
Kelburn
Kelburn recorded 64.4 mm (6.4 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 16th.
Heavy Rain
at
Lower Hutt
Lower Hutt recorded 170 mm (17.0 cm) of rain.
Birch Lane, Lower Hutt, recorded 234 mm (23.4 cm) of rain in 48 hours on the 15th and 16th (Return Period 50 years).
Birch Lane, Lower Hutt, recorded 199.5 mm (20.0 cm) of rain in 24 hours (Return period 50 years).
Birch Lane, Lower Hutt, recorded 161.5 mm (16.2 cm) of rain in 12 hours (Return Period 50 years).
Flooding
Waiwhetu Stream breached its banks.
100 people were evacuated from 50 homes due to the flooding.
500 people were evacauted from a Hutt Valley camping ground due to flood waters.
80 people were displaced from Waiwhetu.
Hospital surgeries had to be cancelled or postponed due to short staffing.
Waiwhetu Stream had 50-year flows.
Multi Hazard
Residents of Hutt Valley were asked not to travel into Wellington on the morning of the 16th.
In Hutt City, 20 properties were confirmed as uninhabitable.
Another person was also persumed drowned as a result of the storm.
Landslide
Six homes in Stokes Valley were hit by slips.
Flooding
at
Martinborough
The town of Martinborough was affected as nearby rivers flooded.
Heavy Rain
at
Masterton
Masterton recorded 75.4 mm (7.5 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 16th.
High Wind / Gust
The wind was more severe in Masterton than in South Wairarapa.
Multi Hazard
at
Mauriceville
Three houses were evacuated in Mauriceville.
Heavy Rain
at
Miramar
Miramar recorded 30 mm (3.0 cm) of rain in one hour on the 17th (Return Period 35 years).
Miramar recorded 14 mm (1.4 cm) of rain in 10 minutes on the 17th (Return Period 60 years).
Flooding
Severe surface flooding occurred in Miramar on the 17th.
High Wind / Gust
at
Mt Kaukau
Mt Kaukau recorded a peak wind speed of 178 km/hr on the 15th.
Heavy Rain
at
Ngawi
Ngawi recorded 57.2 mm (5.7 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 16th.
Heavy Rain
at
Orongorongo River
The Orongaronga Ranges recorded rainfall totals in excess of 250 mm (25.0 cm).
Multi Hazard
at
Paekakariki
Paekakariki Hill Road was closed.
Flooding
State Highway 1 north of Wellington was closed by flooding near McKays Crossing, Paekakariki, on the 19th.
Heavy Rain
at
Paraparaumu
Paraparaumu recorded 64.8 mm (6.5 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 16th.
High Wind / Gust
at
Rimutaka Hill
Rimutaka Hill Road was closed due to high winds on the 15th.
Landslide
State Highway 2 over the Rimutaka Hill was closed by some 14 slips on the 19th, some of them major. The slips trapped 30 vehicles, and the occupants had to be evacuated by the Police to Upper Hutt.
High Wind / Gust
at
Seatoun
Beacon Hill recorded a peak wind speed of 167 km/hr on the 15th.
Heavy Rain
at
Tararua Range
The tararua high country recorded rainfall totals in excess of 250 mm (25.0 cm).
The Tararuas recorded more than 1000 mm (100.0 cm) of rainfall in February.
Heavy Rain
at
Upper Hutt
Silverstream recorded 136 mm (13.6 cm) of rain.
Multi Hazard
Surface flooding and landslides damaged one house.
Heavy Rain
at
Wainuiomata
Wainuiomata recorded 110 mm (11.0 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Wainuiomata recorded 200 mm (20.0 cm) of rain.
Flooding
Wainuiomata was cut off.
The Wainuiomata River was at record levels.
Heavy Rain
at
Wellington International Airport
Wellington Airport recorded 56.8 mm (5.7 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 16th.
High Wind / Gust
Wellington Airport recorded a peak wind speed of 131 km/hr on the 15th.
Multi Hazard
Wellington Airport was closed and flights were disrupted.
Marlborough
High Wind / Gust
at
The Brothers
Brothers Island (Cook Strait) recorded a peak wind speed of 161 km/hr on the 15th.
Maritime / Coastal
at
Cape Jackson
A 53-year-old man was missing and presumed drowned after the launch "Rita" sunk during foul weather near Cape Jackson on the 15th.
Heavy Rain
at
Picton
Picton recorded 40 mm (4.0 cm) of rain in 40 minutes.
Flooding
The swollen Waitohi River broke its banks on the 17th.
Roads and bridges were closed.
Parts of Picton were flooded after heavy rain. There was heavy flooding in the Alexandra Holiday Park area.
A Civil Defence Emergency was declared for the Picton Ward at 1:37pm on the 17th and lasted until the 18th, due to fears of a break in Burns Dam due to high inflow capacities and possible landslides into the reservoir.
1000 people were evacuated from houses and businesses in the Picton area on the 17th. 800 people (one fifth of Picton's population) were evacuated from 200 homes because of fears that Barnes Dam in Essons Valley would burst. People were evacuated from Alexanders Holiday Park.
Authorities feared the Barnes Dam above the township could collapse, as the dam was full and overflowing.
A couple of cars and campers were submerged in flood waters from the Waitohi River. Some cars were washed away.
The town experienced sewerage problems, with overflowing manholes sending sewage into the streets, into Picton Harbour and into Waitohi River.
Houses were flooded. Approximately 15 houses in Picton were still affeced by flood waters on the 20th, and residents were not allowed to return.
Twelve Picton houses and a block of flats were contaminatecd by sewage and deemed unsafe to return to after the flash flood on the 17th.
It was one of the bigest floods ever experienced in the region. Residents had not seen the river burst its banks like that in 15 years.
The flooding was caused by an intense short period of rain in the Burns Range behind Picton, causing the Waitohi and Burns streams to rise rapidly.
Heavy Rain
at
Waikawa
Waikawa recorded 160 mm (16.0 cm) of rain in 24 hours (Return Period 25 years).
Waikawa recorded 85 mm (8.5 cm) of rain in one hour to 8:15am on the 17th (Return Period well over 150 years).
Waikawa recorded 55 mm (5.5 cm) of rain in 30 minutes to 7:35am on the 17th (Return Period well over 150 years).
Flooding
Parts of Waikawa Bay were flooded after heavy rain. The river burst its banks.
At least 11 people in Waikawa were evacuated. Many businesses in Waikawa Bay were evacuated.
Flood waters flowed down Beach Road.
West Coast
High Wind / Gust
at
West Coast
State Highway 6 between Hokitika and Haast Pass was beaten by high winds on the 15th.
Canterbury
Lightning
at
Ashburton
An Ashburton farmer was struck on the head by a lightning bolt as he was taking cows to milking on the 16th. He was saved by the rubber tyres on his bike.
Four cows were killed by the lightning bolt.
Lightning
at
Christchurch
Thousands of lightning bolts occurred in a spectacular storm over Christchurch on the 16th.
Heavy Rain
Christchurch received more than half its average monthly rainfall in 24 hours on the 16th.
References
- Civil Defence Declarations Since 1 January 1963, Declared Civil Defence Emergencies, 31 December 1999.
- Headline: Damages will exceed $1m says assessor.
- The Daily News, 17 February 2004.
- Headline: Power cuts close schools, stop milkings, anger farmers.
- The Daily News, 17 February 2004.
- Headline: Raging rivers may force more to flee.
- The Daily News, 17 February 2004.
- Headline: Weaving way round Waitotara rescues.
- The Daily News, 17 February 2004.
- Headline: Winds put emergency crews under pressure.
- The Daily News, 17 February 2004.
- Headline: Water going down but emergencies remain.
- The Daily News, 18 February 2004.
- Headline: Storm Havoc, Nightmare trip on Arahura.
- The Dominion Post, February 16 2004.
- Headline: The $50m deluge.
- The Dominion Post, 17 February 2004.
- Headline: Over the edge, the region at a glance.
- The Dominion Post, 17 February 2004.
- Headline: Raging rivers may force more to flee.
- The Daily News, 17 February 2004.
- Headline: Over the edge, the region at a glance.
- The Evening Post, 17 February 2004.
- Fuller, I.C. (2005). February floods in the lower North Island, 2004: Catastrphe - causes and consequences. New Zealand Geographer, Volume 61, Issue 1, May 2005.
- Hawkes Bay Regional Council: www.hbrc.govt.nz.
- Hawke's Bay Regional Council. (2004). Flood Report, Central Hawke's Bay 15-16 February 2004.
- Headline: Tornado strikes as storm rages.
- Hawkes Bay Today, 16 February 2004.
- Johnston, D.D.; Pearse, L.J. (2007). Hazards in Hawke's Bay. Hawke's Bay Regional Council, Napier, New Zealand.
- Major weather events in New Zealand, Floods and High Rainfall, Floods to 31 May 2006.
- Headline: No sign of missing man.
- The Marlborough Express, 17 February 2004.
- Headline: Storm panic in Picton.
- The Marlborough Express, 17 February 2004.
- Headline: Threat hovers over Picton.
- The Marlborough Express, 18 February 2004.
- Meteorological Society of New Zealand (Inc.). Newsletter 96, March 2004.
- Headline: Storm causes chaos in Picton.
- The Nelson Mail, 17 February 2004.
- Headline: Picton emergency still in place.
- The Nelson Mail, 18 February 2004.
- Headline: Firefighters busy as westerly blast hits.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, Source: NZPA, 14 February 2004.
- Headline: More gales and rain for lower North Island.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, Source: NZPA, 15 February 2004, 5:00pm.
- Headline: More than 1400 forced to flee homes from floods.
- The New Zealand Herald, 16 February 2004.
- Headline: Three hundred more residents forced to flee flood.
- The New Zealand Herald, 16 February 2004.
- Headline: Winter makes early and violent visit.
- The New Zealand Herald, 16 February 2004.
- Headline: Cleanup starts, but rain still threatens some areas.
- The New Zealand Herald, 17 February 2004.
- Headline: Extreme storm leaves once-in-40yr trail of devastation.
- The New Zealand Herald, 17 February 2004.
- Headline: $100m bill for storm havoc.
- The New Zealand Herald, 18 February 2004.
- Headline: Farmers hit hard as dairy sector battles towards recovery.
- The New Zealand Herald, 18 February 2004.
- Headline: Government to help flood victims, Clark visits Manawatu and Rangitikei.
- The New Zealand Herald, 18 February 2004.
- Headline: Missing duo found in flooded valley.
- The New Zealand Herald, 18 February 2004.
- Headline: Concerns as chemicals remain under floodwaters.
- The New Zealand Herald, 19 February 2004.
- Headline: Floods reap terrible toll.
- The New Zealand Herald, 19 February 2004.
- Headline: Fine spell allows flood damage to be assesed in Manawatu.
- The New Zealand Herald, 20 February 2004.
- Headline: New storm lash sodden North Island flood zones.
- The New Zealand Herald, 20 February 2004.
- Headline: NZ storm: Civilian Defence update.
- The New Zealand Herald, 20 February 2004.
- Headline: Battening down for another battering.
- The New Zealand Herald, 21 February 2004.
- Headline: Flooding leaves more than 160 homes uninhabitable in Manawatu district.
- The New Zealand Herald, 21 February 2004.
- Headline: Storm stricken regions facing more wind and rain.
- The New Zealand Herald, 21 February 2004.
- Headline: No power for thousands of homes after overnight winds.
- The New Zealand Herald, 22 February 2004.
- Headline: Disaster 'biggest since Napier'.
- The New Zealand Herald, 23 February 2004.
- Headline: Floods' litany of destruction and expense.
- The New Zealand Herald, 24 May 2005.
- Headline: State of emergency continues in South Taranaki
- The New Zealand Herald, 25 February 2004.
- Headline: Promina beats its forecast by $100m.
- The New Zealand Herald, 26 February 2004.
- Headline: Weather lashes vegie buyers.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, 26 February 2004.
- New Zealand Meteorological Service. (2008). Meteorology of Extreme Rainfalls in New Zealand (Mark Pascoe, Ed.).
- Headline: Extreme weather adds to insurance premiums.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Sunday Star Times, 9 March 2008.
- Sustainable Land Use Initiative. (2005). The February 2004 storm. Sustainable Land Use Initiative Update 1(September ). Horizons Regional Council.
- Taranaki Regional Council. (2004). Waitotara Valley: February 2004 storm event.
- Trafford, L. Storm, civil emergency, storm and flood report: February 2004.
- Headline: Emergency in Waitotara.
- The Wanganui Chronicle, 18 February 2004.
- Headline: Evacuated residents return home in city.
- The Wanganui Chronicle, 18 February 2004.
- Watts, L.; Gordon, M. (2004). The 15-16 February 2004 storm in the Wellington region.
February 2004 North Island Storm
(
2004-02-14
)
5-150 years
A storm brought high winds, heavy rain, flooding and slips to much fo the North Island as well as the upper South Island. The lower North Island was severely affected, with 100-year floods in Manawatu-Wanganui and 50-year floods in Wellington causing millions of dollars of damage. Thousands of people were evacuated. Two people drowned in the sea at Wellington and one person was presumed drowned in the Marlborough Sounds. Trees felled on houses caused injuries to a girl in Wellington and a woman in Auckland. A person was also injured after felled power lines started a house fire.
New Zealand
Multi Hazard
at
New Zealand
Duration: 6 days - From the 14th to the 19th of February.
The synoptic situation was markedly similar to that of the 1897 event - a deep low moving slowly eastwards over the North Island. A strong south-east airstream affected the southern half of the North Island. Rainfalls on the lee side of the Ruahine Range were almost as high as those in the east - an intrusion from the north of dry air with high Isentropic Potential Vorticity added deep instability to the mix. It resulted from a polar outbreak more typical of winter - but temperatures were much higher, and precipitation amounts correspondingly were much greater. There was also the presence of a striated cloud head over the southern North Island as well as striated delta further east. Striations over the North Island were moving westwards, with both wavelength and amplitude increasing with time and distance downstream, suggesting that energy was being fed into the system.
A 'cold-pool' low (a depression with a core of cold air) became stationary just to the east of Hawke's Bay, and intensified as warm moist air from the tropics collided with the colder air from Antarctica.
Intense rainfall and gale force winds from the 15th to the 23rd affected the lower North Island and top of South Island with extensive and severe flooding and some wind damage.
This was considered the largest widespread natural disaster to strike New Zealand in 20 years.
North Island
High Wind / Gust
at
North Island
Westerly gales blasted over the North Island on the 14th.
High winds toppled trees, blocking roads and bringing down power lines.
Wind gusts of up to 120 km/hr were recorded around the North Island on the 15th.
Flooding
In the lower North Island, 6000 gas users were affected. The main gas pipeline from the Manawatu to Hawke's Bay was closed.
Areas badly affected: the towns of Scotts Ferry, Waitotara, Fielding, Tangimoana, Longburn, Marton and Hunterville.
Areas affected as nearby rivers flooded: the towns of Woodville, Waipurakau and Martinborough, and the city of Wanganui.
1014 farms were flood-damaged.
5000 sheep, and 600-1000 dairy cattle were lost.
20,000 ha of farmland were under water.
In the lower North Island, 2300 people were evacuated.
A week after the flooding started, around 1000 people remained homeless. Three months later 400 homes were still uninhabitable, with 922 people still out of their homes.
Local authorities described the floods as the most devastating in over 100 years.
There was a major shortage of vegetables in the lower North Island after the floods, and the price of most vegetables increased by over 200% on the 25th as result. Much of the produce destined for Wellington shelves was destroyed by the floods in the Manawatu.
Multi Hazard
The North Island experienced a weekend of heavy rain, high winds, plummeting temperatures, thunderstorms and hail on the 14th and 15th.
Firefighters in the top half of the North Island responded to over 20 weather-related incidents on the 14th.
The brunt of the heavy rain and gale force winds was borne by the South Taranaki, Wanganui, Rangitikei and Manawatu districts.
100 schools in Manawatu, Wairarapa and Wellington were closed.
In the lower North Island, up to 40,000 homes, businesses and schools were affected by power cuts. 550 homes were still without power on the 20th. A week after the flooding started, power and telephones were still out in some areas.
Road closures were widespread in the lower North Island. Dozens of roads were still inaccessible a week after the floods began.
Widespread rail closures occurred. The Napier-Gisborne railway line was re-opened on the evening of the 20th. The Marton to New Plymouth railway line would take an estimated seven days to repair. The main trunk rail line between Auckland and Wellington was still closed on the 21st after it was washed out north of Taihape.
In the lower North Island, 5000 homes were without phone services.
Fonterra could not collect milk from the lower North Island for 48 hours. They had to dump more than 10 million litres of milk - a total cost to the company of $5 million ($5,800,000 2008 dollars).
The dairy industry had not been affected so badly by a single event since the Edgecumbe earthquake.
The short-term impact (cost of damage and economic impact) from the floods and wind damage in the lower North Island was estimated at $300 million ($348,000,000 2008 dollars).
The damage to roads was estimated at $65 million ($75,000,000 2008 dollars).
The damage to farms was estimated at $159-189 million ($185,000,000-$219,000,000 2008 dollars).
Private claims totalled $100 million ($116,000,000 2008 dollars).
IAG had received 3500 insurance claims by the 20th.
Insurance Payouts totalled $112.0 million ($130,000,000 2008 dollars).
Uninsured damage was estimated at $200 million ($230,000,000 2008 dollars).
Damage to roads and bridges totalled $77.6 million ($90,100,000 2008 dollars). 9300 km of roads were closed, and more than 20 bridges were damaged.
Damage to rivers totalled $24 million ($28,000,000 2008 dollars).
Soil conservation work totalled $10 million ($12,000,000 2008 dollars).
Donations included: $700,000 from viewers of TVNZ's Holmes show, $150,000 from Wrightson, $50,000 from ANZ, $25,000 from BNZ and $20,000 from Red Cross appeals.
This was the fourth most expensive natural disaster since 1968.
Heavy Rain
Widespread rainfall totalling 65-150 mm in 24 hours occurred in population centers throughout the south-western North Island, from Taranaki to Wellington, in southern Hawke's Bay and in Wairarapa.
Up to 300 mm (30.0 cm) of rain fell in some places.
This was New Zealand's most widespread high rainfall event, in terms of the number and percentage of stations recording 100-year ARI totals, on record. Rainfalls exceeded a 150 year return period over a wide area.
Auckland
High Wind / Gust
at
Auckland
High winds in Auckland overnight on the 15th/16th knocked down trees and sent rubbish bins rolling into streets.
Hundreds of homes in West Auckland were without power.
High Wind / Gust
at
Auckland International Airport
Auckland Airport was closed to domestic flights at around 9:30pm on the 15th.
High Wind / Gust
at
Konini
Trees brought down power lines and caused a switchboard fire in a house on the 14th.
One person in the house was treated for smoke inhalation.
High Wind / Gust
at
Lincoln
A truck crashed into a tree that had blown across the North-western Motorway near Lincoln Road on the 15th. Traffic was diverted for about an hour from 9pm.
Hail
at
Pukekohe
Pukekohe was hit by hail in February, which destroyed much of its vegetable crop yield.
High Wind / Gust
at
Takapuna
A woman was trapped under a tree and seriously injured after the tree went through the roof of her Takapuna house on the 15th. She was taken to hospital with head injuries.
Waikato
High Wind / Gust
at
Waikato
Several trees were blown down on State Highway 3 between Te Kuiti and Awakino on the 15th.
High Wind / Gust
at
Te Kuiti
State Highway 3 at Te Kuiti was closed on the 14th when a tree blocked the road.
High Wind / Gust
at
Te Pahu
Most of the roof of a Te Pahu house was blown off on the 14th.
Bay of Plenty
High Wind / Gust
at
Ngongotaha
High winds toppled a tree in Ngongotaha shortly before daylight on the 14th, and knocked the corner off a house.
The toppled tree also brought down power lines.
Tornado
at
Okere Falls
A small tornado ripped through Lake Rotoiti Holiday Park at about 5am on the 14th.
Trees were uprooted and the camp ground was left covered in debris. A 24-metre gum tree was plucked from a neighbouring property and dumped on the camp grounds.
The tornado only lasted for a matter of seconds.
Power, telephone and water supplies were all cut.
Gisborne
Heavy Rain
at
East Cape
East Cape recorded 129 mm (12.9 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Hawke's Bay
Multi Hazard
at
Hawke's Bay
A rainstorm hit Central Hawke's Bay on the 15th, with southerly winds and heavy rain.
Disruption to the gas supply was a significant issue.
Flooding
The Tukituki River reached a five-year level.
Low-lying valleys suffered from debris deposits, fences and gates demolished, and tracks and roads closed or completely destroyed.
Landslide
Many slips occurred.
Tornado
A tornado ripped through paddocks on a central Hawke's Bay farm on the 15th.
The tornado cut a swathe about 500m long and 15-20 m wide through the farm. It lifted century-old gum trees into the air.
Heavy Rain
at
Ben Nevis Hill
Ben Nevis recorded 103 mm (10.3 cm) of rain in 24 hours. This had a five-year return period.
Heavy Rain
at
Conisbie Farm
The Tukituki River at Shag Rock recorded 228.5 mm (22.9 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 12pm on the 16th. This had a 150-year return period.
Shag Rock recorded 48 mm (4.8 cm) of rain in one hour on the 15th (Return Period 150 years).
Heavy Rain
at
Maharakeke
Station Road recorded 144 mm (14.4 cm) of rain in 24 hours. This had a 60-year return period.
Heavy Rain
at
Mangaorapa
Mangaorapa recorded 161.5 mm (16.2 cm) of rain in 24 hours. This had a 50-year return period.
Heavy Rain
at
Moorcock Saddle
Moorcock recorded 155 mm (15.5 cm) of rain in 24 hours. This had a 10-year return period.
Heavy Rain
at
Ongaonga
Onga Onga recorded 144 mm (14.4 cm) of rain in 24 hours. This had a 60-year return period.
Flooding
at
Otane
Surface flooding occurred in Otane.
Flooding
at
Porangahau
The Porangahau area was the worst hit by flooding on the 15th. It was the worst flooding to strike the town in decades.
Roads were flooded.
The cemetery, businesses and houses were flooded.
22 people were evacuated on the 15th - five elderly from Kaumatua Flats near the marae, seven adults and five children from three houses in the village, and two adults and three children from a house near Porangahau Beach. 25 people self-evacuated in the village near Porangahau beach.
Hundreds of ewes and lambs were killed.
The flood was 1 km wide across the flats.
Bales of silage were floating down the river.
Power and water were cut off.
The flood left layers of silt and debris.
At Porangahau Beach settlement, five houses were inundated, four with their bottom storey only inundated by surface flooding.
At Porangahau Village, 13 houses were inundated, with water of depths varying from 100 mm-250 mm. Another 17 houses had water through other buildings on the property.
The water inside homes in Porangahau Village had depths varying from 100-250 mm (10-25 cm).
Multi Hazard
The township was isolated. A slip on Wimbledon Road cut off the village, which was isolated from the beachside settlement by flooding across the flats at the camping ground on Beach Road.
Flooding
at
Takapau
Surface flooding occurred in Takapau from overflowing drains and a flooded creek.
Kaikora stream was overflowing.
Heavy Rain
at
Tekaihi
Te Kaihi recorded 167 mm (16.7 cm) of rain in 24 hours. This had a 20-year return period.
Heavy Rain
at
Tukipo River
The Tukipo River at SH50 recorded 138.5 mm (13.9 cm) of rain in 24 hours. This had a 30-year return period.
Heavy Rain
at
Waipawa
The Tukituki River at Tapairu Rd recorded 139 mm (13.9 cm) of rain in 24 hours. This had a 40-year return period.
Flooding
Surface flooding occurred in Waipawa.
Heavy Rain
at
Waipukurau
Waipukurau recorded 115.2 mm (11.5 cm) of rain in 24 hours. This had a 20-year return period.
Flooding
Surface flooding occurred in Waipukurau.
The town of Waipurakau was affected as nearby rivers flooded.
Heavy Rain
at
Wallingford
The Porangahau River at Wallingford recorded 197 mm (19.7 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 12pm on the 16th. This had a 125-year return period.
Taranaki
Multi Hazard
at
Taranaki
Taranaki experienced gale force winds and heavy rain.
Parts of Taranaki were without power for several days. People east of Strathmore to Whangamomona were without power from the afternoon of the 14th. About 600 people were still affected by power cuts on the 16th, some of whom had been without power for over 48 hours.
Schools were closed due to power cuts.
Farmers were unable to milk due to the power cuts.
A lot of roofs were blown off barns and then hay was destroyed by getting wet.
A Civil Defence Emergency was declared for the South Taranaki District at 11:00am on the 17th and lasted until the 27th.
100 people were evacuated.
There was no reticulated water supply.
The storm which ripped through Taranaki caused well over $1 million in damage to the region.
Flooding
Extensive flooding occurred.
Landslide
The total area of landsliding in the South Taranaki district was 465 hectares.
The immediate effects of the slipping were blocking of access, destruction of fences, destruction of water supply systems and disruption of farm management activites.
Severe gully erosion occurred.
High Wind / Gust
The winds caused structural damage to buildings.
A hay barn worth $20,000 ($20,300 2008 dollars) was destroyed. There could be up to 200 hay barns destroyed.
High Wind / Gust
at
Hawera
Hay barns were damaged in the Hawera/Opuanke area.
Multi Hazard
at
New Plymouth
Part of the Huatoki Walkway between Leach Street and Hempton Street was closed on the 16th.
Flooding
at
Ngutuwera
Three people were pulled from a house at Waipapa Marae as flood waters surged to sill height.
Heavy Rain
at
Normanby
Normanby recorded 64.2 mm (6.4 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 16th.
High Wind / Gust
at
Opunake
Hay barns were damaged in the Hawera/Opuanke area.
Multi Hazard
at
Patea
The Patea fire brigade was called out 17 times in 24 hours.
Rutland Street was closed.
High Wind / Gust
Severe winds were experienced.
Sand was blowing from Patea beach into a carpark.
Flooding
at
Tahora
Tahora School closed due to no water being pumped.
Flooding
at
Waitotara
Floods ravaged the Waitotara Valley on the 16th.
Access to the settement of Waiinu Beach, the Waitotara meat works and the inland settlement of Nukumaru was cut by flood waters.
Water flowed through the centre of Waitotara township. Many homes were flooded.
People self-evacuated their Waitotara homes after efforts to pump stormwater drains were abandoned.
The township was evacuated by the Fire Service on the night of the 16th due to flooding and sewage contamination. Approximately 31 residents were put up in temporary accommodation.
Water flowed 1 m deep through Waitotara school and the town hall.
A Civil Defence Emergency was declared for the Patea Ward (Waiotara Township and Waitotara Valley) on the 17th due to severe flooding.
it was the most devastating flood in the district's history.
Severe damage was done.
The township was still under water and deserted on the 17th.
Fences pushed back and debris strewn about were evidence of the force and speed with which the water moved through streets.
Two people, a 79-year-old man and an 11-year-old boy, were isolated on a marae in Waitotara Valley for most of the 18th.
There were telecommunication outages in Waitotara Valley.
There were limited water supplies on the 20th.
Some houses were condemned.
Families further upstream were isolated for days.
The meat works toward the coast were closed after the floods.
High Wind / Gust
at
Whenuakura
Livestock was killed when power lines were blown down at Whenuakura.
Manawatu-Wanganui
Flooding
at
Manawatu-Wanganui
Severe flooding occurred in the Rangitikei and Manawatu Districts when Makino Stream and the Rangitikei River breached their banks.
Certain parts of the Rangitikei District were isolated.
Telecommunication outages occurred. Pockets of phone customers in more isolated areas of the region outside Wanganui, Taihape and Waverley remained without service on the 19th. Mobile phone services were fully restored on the 20th.
Many rivers breached heir banks.
Many rivers experienced flows with a return period of over one-in-100 years.
The event in the Rangitikei District was a 100-year event.
The event in the Manawatu District was a 100-year event in certain places.
Defence resources were required in the Manawatu.
The Manawatu River peaked at its second highest flood on record, the largest being in 1902.
The Rangitikei River peaked at its third largest flood on record, after the floods of 1897 and 1926.
A Civil Defence Emergency was declared for the Rangitikei District at 2:55am on the 16th and lasted until the 17th (ended as a regional Manawatu-Wanganui declaration was being made).
A Civil Defence Emergency was declared for the Manawatu District at 3:10am on the 16th and lasted until the 17th.
A Civil Defence Emergency was declared for the Manawatu-Wanganui Region at 8:00pm on the 17th and lasted until 12am on the 25th. The declaration for the whole region ended the Rangitikei and Manawatu declarations. Conditions were similar in the Horowhenua District, and the Tararua, Ruapehu and Wanganui Districts were also affected.
Over 1000 people were evacuated. 780 people were evacuated in the Manawatu and Rangitikei districts.
530 people were evacuated in the Rangitikei District.
350 people were evacuated in the Manawatu District.
As at 5pm on the 19th, 63 people had been evacuated in the Horowhenua District.
As at 5pm on the 19th, 46 people had been evacuated in the Ruapehu District.
The event was rated on a par with Cylcone Bola (1988) for its severity and destruction. It was the biggest flood damage in the Rangitikei District in 25 years.
In the whole region, 500 houses were damaged. 160 homes were confirmed as uninhabitable, with 30 rural properties confirmed uninhabitable. In the Rangitikei, 100 homes were declared uninhabitable.
Hundreds of people were left homeless. 2500 people were displaced. On the 21st, 150 houses in the Rangitikei District remained uninhabitable, 140 houses in Manawatu, 20 houses in Horowhenua, and eight houses in the Wanganui District remained uninhabitable.
Four bridges in the region were destroyed, and 21 were seriously damaged. One bridge's supporting cables collapsed. 16 bridges were damaged in the Manawatu area.
Stock losses were estimated at 1300.
Arable crops in the Manawatu were devastated.
Considerable areas of farmland were inundated by silt and flood waters.
Large quantities of sediment were deposited in the lower reaches of rivers, causing build up in the river beds.
The flooding cost dairy farmers up to 20% of the year's income.
Civil Defence gave Horizons District Council $100,000, Manawatu District Council $150,000, Rangitikei District Council $100,000, and Wanganui and Horowhenua District Councils $75,000.
Farming damage costs to dairying totalled $41.4 million ($48,100,000 2008 dollars). This includes stock losses through drowning, interruptions to milking, crop loss, loss of pasture, damage to fences, plants and equipment, loss of grazing, loss of feed and production and loss of access.
Farming damage costs to sheep, beef and deer totalled $66 million ($77,000,000 2008 dollars). This includes stock losses through drowning, crop loss, loss of pasture, damage to fences, plants and equipment, loss of grazing, loss of feed and production and loss of access.
Farming damage costs to crops totalled $24 million ($28,000,000 2008 dollars).
Farming damage costs to forestry totalled $28-49 million ($32,000,000-$57,000,000 2008 dollars).
Multi Hazard
There were widespread water, power and gas outages to tens of thousands of people throughout the region, especially in the Rangitikei and Manawatu Districts. In the region, 1800 houses lost power. Power was still out in some places on the 19th.
There were widespread road closures throughout the region. Roading infrastructure was hit hard, with state highways closed and 60-70 % of back country roads blocked, mostly by slips. For some time after the floods, some secondary routes remained closed or passable to four-wheel drive vehicles only. The state highway closed were: SH1 between Taihape and Waiouru, SH1 on the Desert Road, SH3 west of Bulls, SH3 through Manawatu Gorge, SH4 between Wanganui and Raetihi, and SH54 between Vinegar Hill and Fielding. SH3 through Manawatu Gorge and SH4 between Wanganui and Raetihi were still closed on the 21st.
There were widespread rail closures throughout the region. The North Island Main Trunk Line from Palmerston North to Taihape was closed.
Landslide
An already wet catchment produced widespread slope failure in the hill country. There was significant erosion of hill slopes and valleys as well as land sliding.
Moderate to severe slipping occurred across 120,000 ha of hill country, and an estimated 19,000 ha of land, or approximately 200,000,000 tonnes, slipped. The region lost 100 million cubic metres of soil (one-sixth the size of Mount Ngaurahoe) - either deposited on farmland or washed out to sea.
Heavy Rain
Heavy rain exceeding 100 mm (10.0 cm) in 24 hours was recorded at 22 sites in the region.
Three sites recorded more than 200 mm (20.0 cm) of rain on the 16th.
Heavy Rain
at
Apiti
Table Flat Road, Apiti, recorded 200 mm (20.0 cm) of rain in 24 hours (Return Period 130 years).
Flooding
at
Bulls
At Bulls, the water supply was contaminated and out of action and sewerage treatment settling ponds were swept away.
Schools were closed in Bulls.
Heavy Rain
at
Cheltenham
Cheltenham recorded 253 mm (25.3 cm) of rain in six days from the 15th to the 21st. This was four times its monthly rainfall.
Heavy Rain
at
Dannevirke
Dannevirke (Pine Gr.) recorded 225 mm (22.5 cm) of rain in 24 hours (Return Period over 150 years).
Heavy Rain
at
Feilding
Feilding recorded 120 mm (12.0 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Several days of heavy rain began falling in Feilding on the 15th.
Flooding
Feilding was isolated by flooding, with many bridges washed out.
The town of Feilding was badly affected. The armed forces lent assistance, with homes and businesses flooded.
Several homes were destroyed, one being washed away. Ten Feilding homes were declared unsafe.
150 people were evacuated at Feilding. About 50 residents spent another night out on the 17th.
About 170 pupils from Hato Paora College were evacuated to Massey University.
Feilding's water supply was lost for a week after two supply pipelines were washed away. Southern Fielding had a limited water supply on the 19th.
Schools were closed.
Up to half of the Feilding district's population of 27,500 were seriously affected.
Flooding
at
Foxton
There was only minor flooding in the Foxton township, but the flood plain bordering the Manawatu River south of Foxton was under water after the Manawatu River breached its banks in several places on the 17th. Farmland was inundated.
50 people were evacuated at about 4am on the 17th.
Flooding
at
Halcombe
Water supplies were limited in Stanway, Halcombe and Waituna West.
Flooding
at
Hunterville
The town of Hunterville was badly affected.
150 people were evacuated at Hunterville.
Schools were closed in Hunterville.
Flooding
at
Kopua
Kopua recorded 176 mm (17.6 cm) of rain in 24 hours (Return Period 100 years).
Flooding
at
Levin
Horowhenua Hospital's generator failed.
Flooding
at
Longburn
The town of Longburn was badly affected.
Multi Hazard
at
Manawatu Gorge
State Highway 3 through Manawatu Gorge was closed for two months.
Flooding
at
Mangamahu
Seven families at Mangamahu had to be rescued by an Air Force helicopter.
Flooding
at
Marton
Significant flooding problems were experienced in Marton. The town was badly affected.
180 people were evacuated in Marton when Tutaenui Stream burst its banks. The Air force lifted out several people.
Schools and kindergardens were closed in Marton.
The town was isolated by flood waters.
Flooding
at
Moutoa
At Moutoa, 5000 dairy cows were evacuated along with their owners.
Flooding
at
Opiki
About 14,000 sandbags were laid along the river at Opiki.
Multi Hazard
at
Oringi
A milk train derailed at Oringi.
Flooding
at
Pahiatua
At Pahiatua, Fonterra carried out the emergency disposal of bulk quantities of milk, tipping 2000 tonnes, or 80 tanker loads, of milk into the flooded Mangatainoka River.
Heavy Rain
at
Palmerston North
Palmerston North recorded 62.6 mm (6.3 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 16th.
Palmerston North received twice its monthly rainfall in the six days from the 15th to the 21st.
Flooding
There was flooding in Palmerston North on the 15th.
Henderson's Line Bridge was unsafe and would be closed for two or three weeks.
Flooding
at
Rangiotu
The Rangiotu area was sandbagged with help from the Army on the night of the 18th to protect properties, as ponded water flowed out of paddocks.
Flooding
at
Stanway
Water supplies were limited in Stanway, Halcombe and Waituna West.
Flooding
at
Tangimoana
The town of Tangimoana and Scotts Ferry were badly affected.
300 people were evacuated at Tangimoana and 250 at Scotts Ferry as the Rangitikei River flooded. About 90 residents were spend the second night out on the 17th.
Tangimoana experienced a 50- to 100-year flood.
41 Tangimoana homes were declared uninhabitable.
Scotts Ferry suffered extensive damage, with all 50 homes in the settlement flooded.
Flooding
at
Turakina
Some farmers at Turakina lost everthing, including buildings, stock, crops, and fencing.
Heavy Rain
at
Waiouru
Waiouru recorded 134 mm (13.4 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 16th.
Flooding
at
Waituna West
Water supplies were limited in Stanway, Halcombe and Waituna West.
Heavy Rain
at
Wanganui
Wanganui recorded 158 mm (15.8 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Wanganui recorded 51 mm (5.1 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 16th.
Flooding
The city of Wanganui was affected as nearby rivers flooded.
The Whanganui River came close to the tops of its stopbanks, and the tributary Matarawa Stream flooded.
Seven families in Wanganui East were evacuated on the night of the 16th due to the flooding.
Schools and kindergardens were closed in Wanganui.
Flooding
at
Whangaehu
Residents at Whangaehu village on State Highway 3 were evacuated.
Flooding
at
Whangaehu River
The upper Whangaehu valley areas around Mangamahu were flooded. The road was cut, and families were isolated without power or communication. Supplies were airlifted through by helicopter.
Families were rescued from roof tops.
Losses to farms were extensive, as stock and crops were washed away.
The Whangaehu River reached its highest flood levels on record, and was much bigger than the flood of 1897. The river was still at flood level on the 20th.
Flooding
at
Whirokino farm
Whirkino was devastated by a stopbank breach.
About 1000 head of stock were missing.
Flooding
at
Woodville
The town of Woodville was affected as nearby rivers flooded.
There were some self-evacuations in Woodville.
Wellington
High Wind / Gust
at
Wellington
A girl was injured when a tree fell onto her bedroom.
The winds lifted roofing and blew down trees around the Wellington area on the 15th.
Heavy Rain
Wellington recorded 64 mm (6.4 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
The Kapiti Coast recorded 65 mm (6.5 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Flooding
Roads were closed out of the city. Many commuters were unable to enter Wellington.
Wellington experienced its worst flooding since 1976.
Several Wairarapa rivers flooded.
Hundreds of sheep and lambs were washed away in the Wairarapa.
The pea harvest in the Wairarapa was wiped out.
The Ruamahanga River had 50-year flows in the Wairarapa.
Multi Hazard
Power was cut due to falling trees. 2000 Wellington homes were without power. 600 Wairarapa homes were without power.
Train services were cut between Wellington and Johnsonville, Hutt Valley, Wairarapa and Paraparaumu. The Woodville to Masterton railway line was damaged.
31 roads in the Wairarapa were closed.
Five Wairarapa houses were evacuated.
A convergence zone spread into the Cook Strait area, between a cool, moist southerly flow and a milder north-east flow. The north-easterly overran the denser southerlies, leading to the rapid ascent of moist air. The slow-moving nature of the convergence zone led to some extremely heavy rainfalls.
State Highway 1 and State Highway 2 were closed on the evening of the 19th, again isolating the cities of the Wellington region by road from the rest of the North Island. Both highways were open on the 20th to a limited degree.
Flooding
at
Carterton
At Carterton, the Kaiwhatatangata River threatened State Highway 2 on the 19th.
Heavy Rain
at
Castlepoint
Castlepoint recorded 123.4 mm (12.3 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 16th.
Multi Hazard
at
Cook Strait
About 12 ferry crossings on The Interislander, Bluebridge and Lynx ferries were cancelled on the 15th due to heavy rain and gale force winds. Hundreds of passengers were affected.
Maritime / Coastal
In Cook Strait there were huge waves with swells of 5-10 m on the 15th.
The severe pitching and rolling of the Arahura ferry caused a truck to topple on to a van, and seriously damaged three cars.
High Wind / Gust
There were gusts of 160 km/hr.
Storm force winds lasted for 29 hours in Cook Strait.
Heavy Rain
at
Eastbourne
Eastbourne recorded 200 mm (20.0 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Multi Hazard
Eastbourne was cut off for most of the day on the 16th.
Maritime / Coastal
A 35-year-old fisherman drowned at Eastbourne after he went fishing in the harbour on the night of the 14th.
Landslide
Parts of Eastbourne were evacuated due to slips.
Marine Drive, between Lower Hutt and Eastbourne, was closed by a major slip on the 19th. One lane was opened on the 20th.
Heavy Rain
at
Hutt River
Hutt Valley recorded 150 mm (15.0 cm) of rain in 24 hours on the 15th.
Flooding
It was the biggest flood damage in the Hutt Valley in 25 years.
The railway service from Hutt Valley was closed.
Landslide
at
Karaka Bay
A slip ripped through a $650,000 house on Karaka Bay Road on the 17th, filling it with tonnes of rock. The rock slide and driving rain threatened to break up the two-storey home.
Part of Karaka Bay Road near Seatoun was cordoned off due to the landslide.
Heavy Rain
at
Kelburn
Kelburn recorded 64.4 mm (6.4 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 16th.
Heavy Rain
at
Lower Hutt
Lower Hutt recorded 170 mm (17.0 cm) of rain.
Birch Lane, Lower Hutt, recorded 234 mm (23.4 cm) of rain in 48 hours on the 15th and 16th (Return Period 50 years).
Birch Lane, Lower Hutt, recorded 199.5 mm (20.0 cm) of rain in 24 hours (Return period 50 years).
Birch Lane, Lower Hutt, recorded 161.5 mm (16.2 cm) of rain in 12 hours (Return Period 50 years).
Flooding
Waiwhetu Stream breached its banks.
100 people were evacuated from 50 homes due to the flooding.
500 people were evacauted from a Hutt Valley camping ground due to flood waters.
80 people were displaced from Waiwhetu.
Hospital surgeries had to be cancelled or postponed due to short staffing.
Waiwhetu Stream had 50-year flows.
Multi Hazard
Residents of Hutt Valley were asked not to travel into Wellington on the morning of the 16th.
In Hutt City, 20 properties were confirmed as uninhabitable.
Another person was also persumed drowned as a result of the storm.
Landslide
Six homes in Stokes Valley were hit by slips.
Flooding
at
Martinborough
The town of Martinborough was affected as nearby rivers flooded.
Heavy Rain
at
Masterton
Masterton recorded 75.4 mm (7.5 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 16th.
High Wind / Gust
The wind was more severe in Masterton than in South Wairarapa.
Multi Hazard
at
Mauriceville
Three houses were evacuated in Mauriceville.
Heavy Rain
at
Miramar
Miramar recorded 30 mm (3.0 cm) of rain in one hour on the 17th (Return Period 35 years).
Miramar recorded 14 mm (1.4 cm) of rain in 10 minutes on the 17th (Return Period 60 years).
Flooding
Severe surface flooding occurred in Miramar on the 17th.
High Wind / Gust
at
Mt Kaukau
Mt Kaukau recorded a peak wind speed of 178 km/hr on the 15th.
Heavy Rain
at
Ngawi
Ngawi recorded 57.2 mm (5.7 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 16th.
Heavy Rain
at
Orongorongo River
The Orongaronga Ranges recorded rainfall totals in excess of 250 mm (25.0 cm).
Multi Hazard
at
Paekakariki
Paekakariki Hill Road was closed.
Flooding
State Highway 1 north of Wellington was closed by flooding near McKays Crossing, Paekakariki, on the 19th.
Heavy Rain
at
Paraparaumu
Paraparaumu recorded 64.8 mm (6.5 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 16th.
High Wind / Gust
at
Rimutaka Hill
Rimutaka Hill Road was closed due to high winds on the 15th.
Landslide
State Highway 2 over the Rimutaka Hill was closed by some 14 slips on the 19th, some of them major. The slips trapped 30 vehicles, and the occupants had to be evacuated by the Police to Upper Hutt.
High Wind / Gust
at
Seatoun
Beacon Hill recorded a peak wind speed of 167 km/hr on the 15th.
Heavy Rain
at
Tararua Range
The tararua high country recorded rainfall totals in excess of 250 mm (25.0 cm).
The Tararuas recorded more than 1000 mm (100.0 cm) of rainfall in February.
Heavy Rain
at
Upper Hutt
Silverstream recorded 136 mm (13.6 cm) of rain.
Multi Hazard
Surface flooding and landslides damaged one house.
Heavy Rain
at
Wainuiomata
Wainuiomata recorded 110 mm (11.0 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Wainuiomata recorded 200 mm (20.0 cm) of rain.
Flooding
Wainuiomata was cut off.
The Wainuiomata River was at record levels.
Heavy Rain
at
Wellington International Airport
Wellington Airport recorded 56.8 mm (5.7 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 16th.
High Wind / Gust
Wellington Airport recorded a peak wind speed of 131 km/hr on the 15th.
Multi Hazard
Wellington Airport was closed and flights were disrupted.
Marlborough
High Wind / Gust
at
The Brothers
Brothers Island (Cook Strait) recorded a peak wind speed of 161 km/hr on the 15th.
Maritime / Coastal
at
Cape Jackson
A 53-year-old man was missing and presumed drowned after the launch "Rita" sunk during foul weather near Cape Jackson on the 15th.
Heavy Rain
at
Picton
Picton recorded 40 mm (4.0 cm) of rain in 40 minutes.
Flooding
The swollen Waitohi River broke its banks on the 17th.
Roads and bridges were closed.
Parts of Picton were flooded after heavy rain. There was heavy flooding in the Alexandra Holiday Park area.
A Civil Defence Emergency was declared for the Picton Ward at 1:37pm on the 17th and lasted until the 18th, due to fears of a break in Burns Dam due to high inflow capacities and possible landslides into the reservoir.
1000 people were evacuated from houses and businesses in the Picton area on the 17th. 800 people (one fifth of Picton's population) were evacuated from 200 homes because of fears that Barnes Dam in Essons Valley would burst. People were evacuated from Alexanders Holiday Park.
Authorities feared the Barnes Dam above the township could collapse, as the dam was full and overflowing.
A couple of cars and campers were submerged in flood waters from the Waitohi River. Some cars were washed away.
The town experienced sewerage problems, with overflowing manholes sending sewage into the streets, into Picton Harbour and into Waitohi River.
Houses were flooded. Approximately 15 houses in Picton were still affeced by flood waters on the 20th, and residents were not allowed to return.
Twelve Picton houses and a block of flats were contaminatecd by sewage and deemed unsafe to return to after the flash flood on the 17th.
It was one of the bigest floods ever experienced in the region. Residents had not seen the river burst its banks like that in 15 years.
The flooding was caused by an intense short period of rain in the Burns Range behind Picton, causing the Waitohi and Burns streams to rise rapidly.
Heavy Rain
at
Waikawa
Waikawa recorded 160 mm (16.0 cm) of rain in 24 hours (Return Period 25 years).
Waikawa recorded 85 mm (8.5 cm) of rain in one hour to 8:15am on the 17th (Return Period well over 150 years).
Waikawa recorded 55 mm (5.5 cm) of rain in 30 minutes to 7:35am on the 17th (Return Period well over 150 years).
Flooding
Parts of Waikawa Bay were flooded after heavy rain. The river burst its banks.
At least 11 people in Waikawa were evacuated. Many businesses in Waikawa Bay were evacuated.
Flood waters flowed down Beach Road.
West Coast
High Wind / Gust
at
West Coast
State Highway 6 between Hokitika and Haast Pass was beaten by high winds on the 15th.
Canterbury
Lightning
at
Ashburton
An Ashburton farmer was struck on the head by a lightning bolt as he was taking cows to milking on the 16th. He was saved by the rubber tyres on his bike.
Four cows were killed by the lightning bolt.
Lightning
at
Christchurch
Thousands of lightning bolts occurred in a spectacular storm over Christchurch on the 16th.
Heavy Rain
Christchurch received more than half its average monthly rainfall in 24 hours on the 16th.
References
- Civil Defence Declarations Since 1 January 1963, Declared Civil Defence Emergencies, 31 December 1999.
- Headline: Damages will exceed $1m says assessor.
- The Daily News, 17 February 2004.
- Headline: Power cuts close schools, stop milkings, anger farmers.
- The Daily News, 17 February 2004.
- Headline: Raging rivers may force more to flee.
- The Daily News, 17 February 2004.
- Headline: Weaving way round Waitotara rescues.
- The Daily News, 17 February 2004.
- Headline: Winds put emergency crews under pressure.
- The Daily News, 17 February 2004.
- Headline: Water going down but emergencies remain.
- The Daily News, 18 February 2004.
- Headline: Storm Havoc, Nightmare trip on Arahura.
- The Dominion Post, February 16 2004.
- Headline: The $50m deluge.
- The Dominion Post, 17 February 2004.
- Headline: Over the edge, the region at a glance.
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- Headline: Raging rivers may force more to flee.
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- Headline: Over the edge, the region at a glance.
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- Headline: No sign of missing man.
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- Headline: Threat hovers over Picton.
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- Headline: Storm causes chaos in Picton.
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- Headline: Picton emergency still in place.
- The Nelson Mail, 18 February 2004.
- Headline: Firefighters busy as westerly blast hits.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, Source: NZPA, 14 February 2004.
- Headline: More gales and rain for lower North Island.
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- Headline: More than 1400 forced to flee homes from floods.
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- The New Zealand Herald, 18 February 2004.
- Headline: Government to help flood victims, Clark visits Manawatu and Rangitikei.
- The New Zealand Herald, 18 February 2004.
- Headline: Missing duo found in flooded valley.
- The New Zealand Herald, 18 February 2004.
- Headline: Concerns as chemicals remain under floodwaters.
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- Headline: Floods reap terrible toll.
- The New Zealand Herald, 19 February 2004.
- Headline: Fine spell allows flood damage to be assesed in Manawatu.
- The New Zealand Herald, 20 February 2004.
- Headline: New storm lash sodden North Island flood zones.
- The New Zealand Herald, 20 February 2004.
- Headline: NZ storm: Civilian Defence update.
- The New Zealand Herald, 20 February 2004.
- Headline: Battening down for another battering.
- The New Zealand Herald, 21 February 2004.
- Headline: Flooding leaves more than 160 homes uninhabitable in Manawatu district.
- The New Zealand Herald, 21 February 2004.
- Headline: Storm stricken regions facing more wind and rain.
- The New Zealand Herald, 21 February 2004.
- Headline: No power for thousands of homes after overnight winds.
- The New Zealand Herald, 22 February 2004.
- Headline: Disaster 'biggest since Napier'.
- The New Zealand Herald, 23 February 2004.
- Headline: Floods' litany of destruction and expense.
- The New Zealand Herald, 24 May 2005.
- Headline: State of emergency continues in South Taranaki
- The New Zealand Herald, 25 February 2004.
- Headline: Promina beats its forecast by $100m.
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- Headline: Weather lashes vegie buyers.
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- Headline: Extreme weather adds to insurance premiums.
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- Trafford, L. Storm, civil emergency, storm and flood report: February 2004.
- Headline: Emergency in Waitotara.
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- Headline: Evacuated residents return home in city.
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