NZ Historic Weather Events Catalogue
January 1997 New Zealand Ex-tropical Cyclone Drena ( 1997-01-10 )
Ex-tropical Cyclone Drena brought high winds and high seas to the upper North Island, which caused damage to property. A CDE was in place for Thames-Coromandel. There were also high seas in Taranaki and Tasman-Nelson, and there was flooding in Canterbury, Otago and Southland. In Auckland, a man was killed by fallen powerlines and there were weather-related road fatalities. Three people were killed at Thames.
New Zealand
Multi Hazard
Duration: 3 days - From the 10th to the 12th of January.
Ex-tropical Cyclone Drena. Cyclone Drena moved steadily south-south east, towards central New Zealand, passing west of the northern districts.
Insurance Industry Payouts totalled $3,200,000 ($4,200,000 2008 dollars).
North Island
High Wind / Gust
at
North Island
Severe gale force winds were experienced in exposed places in the north-east North Island (Northland and Auckland) on the 10th.
A deep low lay near Cook Strait at midday 11th and moved off the country in the afternoon, leaving a west southwest flow to become established over the country.
A shallow low over the eastern Tasman Sea drifted northeast and weakened, while a large high near Tasmania moved east over the lower south Island.
A low developed in a trough to the east of Northland, which was moving sotheas to the Bay of Plenty on the 15th/16th, while a ridge of high pressure remained slow moving over the South Island.
Considerable damage was done, with house roofs lifted and trees felled.
Powerlines were downed.
Northland
Multi Hazard
at
Northland
Huge damage was done to a Northland camp ground. The owners and campers packed up and left with the cyclone warnings.
High Wind / Gust
at
Cape Reinga
Cape Reinga recorded winds of up to 126 km/hr on the 10th.
High Wind / Gust
at
Helena Bay
There were power cuts in Helena Bay.
High Wind / Gust
at
Kaiwaka
There were power cuts in Kaiwaka.
High Wind / Gust
at
Mangawhai
There were power cuts in Mangawai.
High Wind / Gust
at
Maungatapere
There were power cuts in Maungatapere and Kara (Road).
High Wind / Gust
at
Mimiwhangata Bay
There were power cuts in Mimiwhangata.
High Wind / Gust
at
Oakleigh
There were power cuts in Oakleigh.
High Wind / Gust
at
Oakura
There were power cuts in Oakura.
Maritime / Coastal
at
One Tree Point
A 7-metre launch was totally swamped at One Tree Point.
High Wind / Gust
at
Otaika Valley
There were power cuts in Otaika Valley.
High Wind / Gust
at
Pataua
There were power cuts in Pataua North.
High Wind / Gust
at
Pipiwai
There were power cuts in Pipiwai.
High Wind / Gust
at
Portland
There were power cuts in Portland.
High Wind / Gust
at
Reotahi Bay
The roof was ripped off a house at Reotahi Bay.
High Wind / Gust
at
Ruatangata West
There were power cuts in Ruatangata.
High Wind / Gust
at
Springs Flat
There were power cuts in Springs Flat.
High Wind / Gust
at
Tangiteroria
There were power cuts in Tangiteroria.
High Wind / Gust
at
Tutamoe
At Tutamoe, half of a house roof and deck were lost in high winds.
High Wind / Gust
at
Whangarei
Whangarei Airport recorded winds of 46 km/hr.
Whangarei Airport recorded wind gusts of up to 75 km/hr on the 10th.
There were power cuts in Onerahi.
High Wind / Gust
at
Whatitiri
There were power cuts in Whatitiri.
Auckland
Multi Hazard
at
Auckland
There were a number of road fatalities attributed to Cyclone Drena.
Auckland had easterly winds of up to 100 km/hr on land.
Boats broke free from their moorings.
Several boats broke their moorings and were smashed against sea walls.
Vehicles were blown across lanes.
Power lines were blown down and power was cut to parts of Auckland.
Roofs were ripped loose by the wind.
Heavy Rain
There was no torrential rain.
High Wind / Gust
Trees were felled.
Multi Hazard
at
Auckland City
There was widesperad damage and flooding in the city.
High Wind / Gust
at
Hauraki Gulf
Hauraki Gulf recorded gale force winds of up to 160 km/hr on the 11th.
Maritime / Coastal
at
Mission Bay
Tamaki Drive was closed between Ngapipi Road and the Strand because of seawater washing over the road in places.
High Wind / Gust
A man was killed when he was electrocuted by downed powerlines.
High Wind / Gust
at
Waiheke Island
Power was cut to Waiheke Island.
Maritime / Coastal
Ferries to Waiheke Island were cancelled from late on the 11th until the afternoon of the 12th.
Maritime / Coastal
at
Waitemata Harbour
Ferries to Devonport were cancelled.
High Wind / Gust
Several motorcyclists were blown into barriers on the bridge.
Waikato
Maritime / Coastal
at
Waikato
A State of Emergency was declared for the Thames-Coromandel District at 9:40am on the 11th and lasted until 5:00pm on the 12th.
Worst sea flood in 50 years.
Maritime / Coastal
at
Firth of Thames
In the Firth of Thames, high waves were driven by northerly gales, combined with a spring tide.
There was a 3.6 m spring tide.
High Wind / Gust
at
Hamilton
High winds were experienced in Hamilton on the 11th.
There were power cuts in some areas after trees came down on powerlines.
Maritime / Coastal
at
Tararu
At Tararu, the first high tide on the 11th was 1.87 m hindcast, relative to the Tararu MSL datum.
At Tararu, the second high tide on the 11th was 1.75 m hindcast, relative to the Tararu MSL datum.
At Tararu, the first high tide on the 12th was 1.91 m hindcast, relative to the Tararu MSL datum.
At Tararu, the second high tide on the 12th was 1.78 m hindcast, relative to the Tararu MSL datum.
Multi Hazard
at
Thames
140 people were evacuated at Moanatairi on the 11th. 20 houses were evacuated at Moanatairi, Te Puru and Waiomu. Further homes were evacuated during the morning.
2 people killed. An elderly couple from Auckland died when their car slid sideways into an oncoming vehicle on the Kopu Hikuai Road.
Maritime / Coastal
The 3.6 m swell sent waves crashing onto properties and houses.
Over $1.5 million ($1,970,000 2008 dollars) of damage was done to homes and properties. 44 homes were flooded and badly damaged. 33 homes had sewerage-soaked carpets and ruined wall coverings, furniture and belongings.
The Thames Coast road on State Highway 25 was closed for 30 hours. Parts of the road were ripped up and undermined for up to 30km.
30 Maramarua customers were without power for approximately 5 hours on the 11th.
Restoring roads estimated at costing as much as $2 million.
Flooding
at
Waikawau
Sven trams were flooded with a metre of water.
Taranaki
Maritime / Coastal
at
New Plymouth
At New Plymouth, high waves were driven by northerly gales, combined with a spring tide pushed the water level a metre higher than expected.
There was a 3.6 m spring tide.
Homes were flooded by the sea.
Holidaymakers had to be evacuated from the north of Taranaki coast.
Maritime / Coastal
at
Port Taranki
Boats were ripped from their moorings.
A car was swept almost 20 m across the lee breakwater car-park.
Tasman-Nelson
Maritime / Coastal
at
Ruby Bay
At Ruby Bay, high waves were driven by northerly gales, combined with a spring tide.
There was a 3.6 m spring tide.
Homes were flooded by the sea.
Maritime / Coastal
at
Nelson
Big seas combined with high tide caused some coastal roads were closed in the Nelson area and properties flooded.
Canterbury
Flooding
at
Canterbury
Heavy rain and flooding occurred in Canterbury.
Flooding
at
Ashburton
Ashburton and Banks Peninsula were the worst affected areas in Canterbury.
Heavy Rain
Ashburton received 45 mm (4.5 cm) of rain between Friday (11th) night and 2 pm on the 12th.
Flooding
at
Banks Peninsula
Ashburton and Banks Peninsula were the worst affected areas in Canterbury.
Heavy Rain
at
Christchurch
Christchurch Airport received 47 mm (4.7 cm) of rain between Friday (11th) and 2 pm on the 12th.
High Wind / Gust
at
Le Bons Bay
Gale force winds of 91 kmh were recorded at Le Bons Bay on the 12th.
Heavy Rain
at
Kaikoura
Kaikoura received 19 mm (1.9 cm) of rain between Friday (11th) night and 2 pm on the 12th.
Heavy Rain
at
Timaru
Timaru Airport received 32 mm (3.2 cm) of rain between Friday (11th) night and 2 pm on the 112th.
Otago
Flooding
at
Otago
Heavy rain and flooding occurred in Otago.
Flooding
at
Dunedin
Dunedin and Mosgiel were the worst affected areas in Otago.
Flooding
at
Mosgiel
Dunedin and Mosgiel were the worst affected areas in Otago.
Southland
Flooding
at
Southland
Heavy rain and flooding occurred in Otago.
The Oreti River at Three Kings reached a height of 0.77 m in January (normal 0.50 m).
Flooding
at
Cattle Flat
The Mataura River at Cattle Flat reached a height of 2.84 m in January (normal 0.85 m).
Flooding
at
Centre Bush
The Oreti River at Centre Bush reached a height of 2.59 m in January (normal 1.00 m).
Flooding
at
Clifden
The Waiau River at Clifden reached a height of 2.73 m in January (normal 1.00 m).
Flooding
at
Dunrobin
The Aparima River at Dunrobin reached a height of 1.78 m in January (normal 0.80 m).
Flooding
at
Etalvale Station
The Aparima River at Etalvale reached a height of 2.37 m in January (normal 1.00 m).
Flooding
at
Fairlight
The Mataura River at Fairlight reached a height of 1.69 m in January (normal 0.90 m).
Flooding
at
Freshford
The Waikaia River at Freshford reached a height of 4.13 m in January (normal 1.00 m).
Flooding
at
Gore
The Mataura River at Gore reached a height of 3.98 m in January (normal 0.80 m).
Flooding
at
Hamilton Burn
The Hamilton Burn at Waterloo Road reached a height of 2.03 m in January (normal 1.20 m).
Flooding
at
Invercargill
The Waihopai River at the Dam H/W reached a height of 4.37 m in January (normal 3.50 m).
Otepuni Creek at the Dam H/W reached a height of 8.43 m in January (normal 7.80 m).
Kingswell Creek at the Dam H/W reached a height of 8.56 m in January (normal 8.60 m).
Flooding
at
Irthing Stream
Irthing Stream at Ellis Road reached a height of 3.46 m in January (normal 1.00 m).
Flooding
at
Kennington
The Waihopai River at Kennington reached a height of 2.82 m in January (normal 2.00 m).
Flooding
at
Lumsden
The Oreti River at Lumsden C/W reached a height of 3.82 m in January (normal 1.00 m).
Flooding
at
Makarewa Junction
The Makarewa River at Counsell Road reached a height of 4.40 m in January (normal 1.40 m).
Flooding
at
Mandeville
Waimea Stream at Mandeville reached a height of 1.93 m in January (normal 1.00 m).
Flooding
at
Otapiri Stream
The Otapiri at McBrides reached a height of 2.69 m in January (normal 0.70 m).
Flooding
at
Otautau
Otautau Stream at Otautau reached a height of 3.09 m in January (normal 1.00 m).
Flooding
at
Parawa
The Mataura River at Parawa reached a height of 3.02 m in January (normal 1.20 m).
Flooding
at
Piano Flat
The Waikaia River at Piano Flat reached a height of 2.76 m in January (normal 0.80 m).
Flooding
at
Pyramid Hill
The Mataura River at Pyramid reached a height of 3.73 m in January (normal 1.00 m).
Flooding
at
Seaward Downs
The Mataura River at Seaward Downs reached a height of 4.78 m in January (normal 1.50 m).
Flooding
at
Sunnyside station
The Waiau River at Sunnyside reached a height of 4.11 m in January (normal 2.00 m).
Flooding
at
Thornbury
The Aparima River at Thornbury reached a height of 2.68 m in January (normal 0.90 m).
Flooding
at
Tuatapere
The Waiau River at Tuatapere reached a height of 4.18 m in January (normal 1.00 m).
Flooding
at
Tussock Creek
The Makarewa River at Tussock Creek reached a height of 4.10 m in January (normal 1.00 m).
Flooding
at
Tuturau
The Mataura River at Tuturau reached a height of 6.01 m in January (normal 2.00 m).
Flooding
at
Waiau River
The Waiau River at Mararoa reached a height of 4.02 m in January (normal 3.00 m).
Flooding
at
Waikaia
The Waikaia River at Waikaia reached a height of 3.50 m in January (normal 1.00 m).
Flooding
at
Waikiwi Stream
Waikiwi Stream at Ferry Road reached a height of 1.83 m in January (normally tidal).
Flooding
at
Wallacetown
The Oreti River at Wallacetown reached a height of 3.99 m in January (normal 1.40 m).
Flooding
at
Willowbank
Waikaka Stream at Willowbank reached a height of 1.82 m in January (normal 0.75 m).
Flooding
at
Wyndham
The Mataura River at Wyndham reached a height of 3.69 m in January (normal 1.00 m).
Wyndham Stream at McKays reached a height of 2.85 m in January (normal 1.70 m).
Flooding
at
Yellow Bluff
The Aparima River at Yellow Bluff reached a height of 2.58 m in January (normal 0.80 m).
References
- Bell, R.G; Hill, A.F. (1997). Tidal and meteorological conditions for previous major sea storms at Thames.
- "Civil Defender", The Thames Valley 1997. The Official Publication of The Thames Valley Combined District Civil Defence Organisation.
- Environment Southland. Flood report July 2003.
- Environment Waikato. State of Emergency Declarations in the district since 1976.
- Insurance Councils. The Cost of Weather Loses, Claims history (Updated 2004).
- MCDEM, 2002.
- www.metservice.co.nz/ Notable Weather Events Archives / 1996-1997 Summer.
- Ministy of Civil Defence. Storms, Tephra June 1997, Volume 16.
- Headline: Drena lashes north.
- The New Zealand Herald, 11 January 1997.
- Headline: Bulldoze our homes say sad residents.
- The New Zealand Herald, 13 January 1997.
- Headline: Cost still being counted of cyclone that never was.
- The Northern Advocate, 10 January 1997.
- Headline: Storm rips off Reotahi home.
- The Northern Advocate, 11 January 1997.
- Headline: Thames emergency.
- The Waikato Times, 11 January 1997.
- Headline: Thames emergency in Drena's wake.
- The Waikato Times, 11 January 1997.
- Headline: Second cyclone heads to NZ packing rain, 220 km/h winds.
- The New Zealand Herald, 9 January 1997 (Thursday).
- Headline: Drena gives Auckland a lashing and roars off.
- The New Zealand Herald, 13 January (Monday) 1997.
- Headline: Heavy rain expected as cyclone nears.
- Hauraki Herald, 10 January (Friday)1997.
- Headline: Mayor: No quick fix to flooding.
- Hauraki Herald, 17 January (Friday) 1997.
- Headline: Mopping up after Drena.
- Hauraki Herald, 17 January (Friday) 1997.
- Headline: Cyclone Drena set to inflict fury on city.
- The Waikato Times, 9 January 1997 (Thursday).
- Headline: Cyclone threat hangs over NZ.
- The Waikato Times, 13 January 1997 (Monday).
- Headline: Cyclone-hit residents slam council inaction over flooding.
- The Waikato Times, 14 January 1997 (Tuesday).
- Headline: Cyclone Drena sparks flood protection storm.
- The Waikato Times, 15 January 1997 (Wednesday).
- Headline: Hit by Drena's Fury.
- Star News, 15 January (Wednesday) 1997.
- Headline: Year's work in one weekend.
- Star News, 15 January (Wednesday) 1997.
- Headline: Cyclone blamed for three deaths.
- Star News, 15 January (Wednesday) 1997.
- Headline: Huge job by band of volunteers.
- Star News, 15 January (Wednesday) 1997.
- Headline: Heavy rain delights farmers.
- The Press, 13 January 1997.
- Headline: Man killed by live line.
- The Press, Source: NZPA, 13 January 1997.
- Headline: State of emergency lifted as cyclone departs.
- The Press, Source: NZPA, 13 January 1997.
January 1997 New Zealand Ex-tropical Cyclone Drena ( 1997-01-10 )
Ex-tropical Cyclone Drena brought high winds and high seas to the upper North Island, which caused damage to property. A CDE was in place for Thames-Coromandel. There were also high seas in Taranaki and Tasman-Nelson, and there was flooding in Canterbury, Otago and Southland. In Auckland, a man was killed by fallen powerlines and there were weather-related road fatalities. Three people were killed at Thames.
New Zealand
Multi Hazard
Duration: 3 days - From the 10th to the 12th of January.
Ex-tropical Cyclone Drena. Cyclone Drena moved steadily south-south east, towards central New Zealand, passing west of the northern districts.
Insurance Industry Payouts totalled $3,200,000 ($4,200,000 2008 dollars).
North Island
High Wind / Gust
at
North Island
Severe gale force winds were experienced in exposed places in the north-east North Island (Northland and Auckland) on the 10th.
A deep low lay near Cook Strait at midday 11th and moved off the country in the afternoon, leaving a west southwest flow to become established over the country.
A shallow low over the eastern Tasman Sea drifted northeast and weakened, while a large high near Tasmania moved east over the lower south Island.
A low developed in a trough to the east of Northland, which was moving sotheas to the Bay of Plenty on the 15th/16th, while a ridge of high pressure remained slow moving over the South Island.
Considerable damage was done, with house roofs lifted and trees felled.
Powerlines were downed.
Northland
Multi Hazard
at
Northland
Huge damage was done to a Northland camp ground. The owners and campers packed up and left with the cyclone warnings.
High Wind / Gust
at
Cape Reinga
Cape Reinga recorded winds of up to 126 km/hr on the 10th.
High Wind / Gust
at
Helena Bay
There were power cuts in Helena Bay.
High Wind / Gust
at
Kaiwaka
There were power cuts in Kaiwaka.
High Wind / Gust
at
Mangawhai
There were power cuts in Mangawai.
High Wind / Gust
at
Maungatapere
There were power cuts in Maungatapere and Kara (Road).
High Wind / Gust
at
Mimiwhangata Bay
There were power cuts in Mimiwhangata.
High Wind / Gust
at
Oakleigh
There were power cuts in Oakleigh.
High Wind / Gust
at
Oakura
There were power cuts in Oakura.
Maritime / Coastal
at
One Tree Point
A 7-metre launch was totally swamped at One Tree Point.
High Wind / Gust
at
Otaika Valley
There were power cuts in Otaika Valley.
High Wind / Gust
at
Pataua
There were power cuts in Pataua North.
High Wind / Gust
at
Pipiwai
There were power cuts in Pipiwai.
High Wind / Gust
at
Portland
There were power cuts in Portland.
High Wind / Gust
at
Reotahi Bay
The roof was ripped off a house at Reotahi Bay.
High Wind / Gust
at
Ruatangata West
There were power cuts in Ruatangata.
High Wind / Gust
at
Springs Flat
There were power cuts in Springs Flat.
High Wind / Gust
at
Tangiteroria
There were power cuts in Tangiteroria.
High Wind / Gust
at
Tutamoe
At Tutamoe, half of a house roof and deck were lost in high winds.
High Wind / Gust
at
Whangarei
Whangarei Airport recorded winds of 46 km/hr.
Whangarei Airport recorded wind gusts of up to 75 km/hr on the 10th.
There were power cuts in Onerahi.
High Wind / Gust
at
Whatitiri
There were power cuts in Whatitiri.
Auckland
Multi Hazard
at
Auckland
There were a number of road fatalities attributed to Cyclone Drena.
Auckland had easterly winds of up to 100 km/hr on land.
Boats broke free from their moorings.
Several boats broke their moorings and were smashed against sea walls.
Vehicles were blown across lanes.
Power lines were blown down and power was cut to parts of Auckland.
Roofs were ripped loose by the wind.
Heavy Rain
There was no torrential rain.
High Wind / Gust
Trees were felled.
Multi Hazard
at
Auckland City
There was widesperad damage and flooding in the city.
High Wind / Gust
at
Hauraki Gulf
Hauraki Gulf recorded gale force winds of up to 160 km/hr on the 11th.
Maritime / Coastal
at
Mission Bay
Tamaki Drive was closed between Ngapipi Road and the Strand because of seawater washing over the road in places.
High Wind / Gust
A man was killed when he was electrocuted by downed powerlines.
High Wind / Gust
at
Waiheke Island
Power was cut to Waiheke Island.
Maritime / Coastal
Ferries to Waiheke Island were cancelled from late on the 11th until the afternoon of the 12th.
Maritime / Coastal
at
Waitemata Harbour
Ferries to Devonport were cancelled.
High Wind / Gust
Several motorcyclists were blown into barriers on the bridge.
Waikato
Maritime / Coastal
at
Waikato
A State of Emergency was declared for the Thames-Coromandel District at 9:40am on the 11th and lasted until 5:00pm on the 12th.
Worst sea flood in 50 years.
Maritime / Coastal
at
Firth of Thames
In the Firth of Thames, high waves were driven by northerly gales, combined with a spring tide.
There was a 3.6 m spring tide.
High Wind / Gust
at
Hamilton
High winds were experienced in Hamilton on the 11th.
There were power cuts in some areas after trees came down on powerlines.
Maritime / Coastal
at
Tararu
At Tararu, the first high tide on the 11th was 1.87 m hindcast, relative to the Tararu MSL datum.
At Tararu, the second high tide on the 11th was 1.75 m hindcast, relative to the Tararu MSL datum.
At Tararu, the first high tide on the 12th was 1.91 m hindcast, relative to the Tararu MSL datum.
At Tararu, the second high tide on the 12th was 1.78 m hindcast, relative to the Tararu MSL datum.
Multi Hazard
at
Thames
140 people were evacuated at Moanatairi on the 11th. 20 houses were evacuated at Moanatairi, Te Puru and Waiomu. Further homes were evacuated during the morning.
2 people killed. An elderly couple from Auckland died when their car slid sideways into an oncoming vehicle on the Kopu Hikuai Road.
Maritime / Coastal
The 3.6 m swell sent waves crashing onto properties and houses.
Over $1.5 million ($1,970,000 2008 dollars) of damage was done to homes and properties. 44 homes were flooded and badly damaged. 33 homes had sewerage-soaked carpets and ruined wall coverings, furniture and belongings.
The Thames Coast road on State Highway 25 was closed for 30 hours. Parts of the road were ripped up and undermined for up to 30km.
30 Maramarua customers were without power for approximately 5 hours on the 11th.
Restoring roads estimated at costing as much as $2 million.
Flooding
at
Waikawau
Sven trams were flooded with a metre of water.
Taranaki
Maritime / Coastal
at
New Plymouth
At New Plymouth, high waves were driven by northerly gales, combined with a spring tide pushed the water level a metre higher than expected.
There was a 3.6 m spring tide.
Homes were flooded by the sea.
Holidaymakers had to be evacuated from the north of Taranaki coast.
Maritime / Coastal
at
Port Taranki
Boats were ripped from their moorings.
A car was swept almost 20 m across the lee breakwater car-park.
Tasman-Nelson
Maritime / Coastal
at
Ruby Bay
At Ruby Bay, high waves were driven by northerly gales, combined with a spring tide.
There was a 3.6 m spring tide.
Homes were flooded by the sea.
Maritime / Coastal
at
Nelson
Big seas combined with high tide caused some coastal roads were closed in the Nelson area and properties flooded.
Canterbury
Flooding
at
Canterbury
Heavy rain and flooding occurred in Canterbury.
Flooding
at
Ashburton
Ashburton and Banks Peninsula were the worst affected areas in Canterbury.
Heavy Rain
Ashburton received 45 mm (4.5 cm) of rain between Friday (11th) night and 2 pm on the 12th.
Flooding
at
Banks Peninsula
Ashburton and Banks Peninsula were the worst affected areas in Canterbury.
Heavy Rain
at
Christchurch
Christchurch Airport received 47 mm (4.7 cm) of rain between Friday (11th) and 2 pm on the 12th.
High Wind / Gust
at
Le Bons Bay
Gale force winds of 91 kmh were recorded at Le Bons Bay on the 12th.
Heavy Rain
at
Kaikoura
Kaikoura received 19 mm (1.9 cm) of rain between Friday (11th) night and 2 pm on the 12th.
Heavy Rain
at
Timaru
Timaru Airport received 32 mm (3.2 cm) of rain between Friday (11th) night and 2 pm on the 112th.
Otago
Flooding
at
Otago
Heavy rain and flooding occurred in Otago.
Flooding
at
Dunedin
Dunedin and Mosgiel were the worst affected areas in Otago.
Flooding
at
Mosgiel
Dunedin and Mosgiel were the worst affected areas in Otago.
Southland
Flooding
at
Southland
Heavy rain and flooding occurred in Otago.
The Oreti River at Three Kings reached a height of 0.77 m in January (normal 0.50 m).
Flooding
at
Cattle Flat
The Mataura River at Cattle Flat reached a height of 2.84 m in January (normal 0.85 m).
Flooding
at
Centre Bush
The Oreti River at Centre Bush reached a height of 2.59 m in January (normal 1.00 m).
Flooding
at
Clifden
The Waiau River at Clifden reached a height of 2.73 m in January (normal 1.00 m).
Flooding
at
Dunrobin
The Aparima River at Dunrobin reached a height of 1.78 m in January (normal 0.80 m).
Flooding
at
Etalvale Station
The Aparima River at Etalvale reached a height of 2.37 m in January (normal 1.00 m).
Flooding
at
Fairlight
The Mataura River at Fairlight reached a height of 1.69 m in January (normal 0.90 m).
Flooding
at
Freshford
The Waikaia River at Freshford reached a height of 4.13 m in January (normal 1.00 m).
Flooding
at
Gore
The Mataura River at Gore reached a height of 3.98 m in January (normal 0.80 m).
Flooding
at
Hamilton Burn
The Hamilton Burn at Waterloo Road reached a height of 2.03 m in January (normal 1.20 m).
Flooding
at
Invercargill
The Waihopai River at the Dam H/W reached a height of 4.37 m in January (normal 3.50 m).
Otepuni Creek at the Dam H/W reached a height of 8.43 m in January (normal 7.80 m).
Kingswell Creek at the Dam H/W reached a height of 8.56 m in January (normal 8.60 m).
Flooding
at
Irthing Stream
Irthing Stream at Ellis Road reached a height of 3.46 m in January (normal 1.00 m).
Flooding
at
Kennington
The Waihopai River at Kennington reached a height of 2.82 m in January (normal 2.00 m).
Flooding
at
Lumsden
The Oreti River at Lumsden C/W reached a height of 3.82 m in January (normal 1.00 m).
Flooding
at
Makarewa Junction
The Makarewa River at Counsell Road reached a height of 4.40 m in January (normal 1.40 m).
Flooding
at
Mandeville
Waimea Stream at Mandeville reached a height of 1.93 m in January (normal 1.00 m).
Flooding
at
Otapiri Stream
The Otapiri at McBrides reached a height of 2.69 m in January (normal 0.70 m).
Flooding
at
Otautau
Otautau Stream at Otautau reached a height of 3.09 m in January (normal 1.00 m).
Flooding
at
Parawa
The Mataura River at Parawa reached a height of 3.02 m in January (normal 1.20 m).
Flooding
at
Piano Flat
The Waikaia River at Piano Flat reached a height of 2.76 m in January (normal 0.80 m).
Flooding
at
Pyramid Hill
The Mataura River at Pyramid reached a height of 3.73 m in January (normal 1.00 m).
Flooding
at
Seaward Downs
The Mataura River at Seaward Downs reached a height of 4.78 m in January (normal 1.50 m).
Flooding
at
Sunnyside station
The Waiau River at Sunnyside reached a height of 4.11 m in January (normal 2.00 m).
Flooding
at
Thornbury
The Aparima River at Thornbury reached a height of 2.68 m in January (normal 0.90 m).
Flooding
at
Tuatapere
The Waiau River at Tuatapere reached a height of 4.18 m in January (normal 1.00 m).
Flooding
at
Tussock Creek
The Makarewa River at Tussock Creek reached a height of 4.10 m in January (normal 1.00 m).
Flooding
at
Tuturau
The Mataura River at Tuturau reached a height of 6.01 m in January (normal 2.00 m).
Flooding
at
Waiau River
The Waiau River at Mararoa reached a height of 4.02 m in January (normal 3.00 m).
Flooding
at
Waikaia
The Waikaia River at Waikaia reached a height of 3.50 m in January (normal 1.00 m).
Flooding
at
Waikiwi Stream
Waikiwi Stream at Ferry Road reached a height of 1.83 m in January (normally tidal).
Flooding
at
Wallacetown
The Oreti River at Wallacetown reached a height of 3.99 m in January (normal 1.40 m).
Flooding
at
Willowbank
Waikaka Stream at Willowbank reached a height of 1.82 m in January (normal 0.75 m).
Flooding
at
Wyndham
The Mataura River at Wyndham reached a height of 3.69 m in January (normal 1.00 m).
Wyndham Stream at McKays reached a height of 2.85 m in January (normal 1.70 m).
Flooding
at
Yellow Bluff
The Aparima River at Yellow Bluff reached a height of 2.58 m in January (normal 0.80 m).
References
- Bell, R.G; Hill, A.F. (1997). Tidal and meteorological conditions for previous major sea storms at Thames.
- "Civil Defender", The Thames Valley 1997. The Official Publication of The Thames Valley Combined District Civil Defence Organisation.
- Environment Southland. Flood report July 2003.
- Environment Waikato. State of Emergency Declarations in the district since 1976.
- Insurance Councils. The Cost of Weather Loses, Claims history (Updated 2004).
- MCDEM, 2002.
- www.metservice.co.nz/ Notable Weather Events Archives / 1996-1997 Summer.
- Ministy of Civil Defence. Storms, Tephra June 1997, Volume 16.
- Headline: Drena lashes north.
- The New Zealand Herald, 11 January 1997.
- Headline: Bulldoze our homes say sad residents.
- The New Zealand Herald, 13 January 1997.
- Headline: Cost still being counted of cyclone that never was.
- The Northern Advocate, 10 January 1997.
- Headline: Storm rips off Reotahi home.
- The Northern Advocate, 11 January 1997.
- Headline: Thames emergency.
- The Waikato Times, 11 January 1997.
- Headline: Thames emergency in Drena's wake.
- The Waikato Times, 11 January 1997.
- Headline: Second cyclone heads to NZ packing rain, 220 km/h winds.
- The New Zealand Herald, 9 January 1997 (Thursday).
- Headline: Drena gives Auckland a lashing and roars off.
- The New Zealand Herald, 13 January (Monday) 1997.
- Headline: Heavy rain expected as cyclone nears.
- Hauraki Herald, 10 January (Friday)1997.
- Headline: Mayor: No quick fix to flooding.
- Hauraki Herald, 17 January (Friday) 1997.
- Headline: Mopping up after Drena.
- Hauraki Herald, 17 January (Friday) 1997.
- Headline: Cyclone Drena set to inflict fury on city.
- The Waikato Times, 9 January 1997 (Thursday).
- Headline: Cyclone threat hangs over NZ.
- The Waikato Times, 13 January 1997 (Monday).
- Headline: Cyclone-hit residents slam council inaction over flooding.
- The Waikato Times, 14 January 1997 (Tuesday).
- Headline: Cyclone Drena sparks flood protection storm.
- The Waikato Times, 15 January 1997 (Wednesday).
- Headline: Hit by Drena's Fury.
- Star News, 15 January (Wednesday) 1997.
- Headline: Year's work in one weekend.
- Star News, 15 January (Wednesday) 1997.
- Headline: Cyclone blamed for three deaths.
- Star News, 15 January (Wednesday) 1997.
- Headline: Huge job by band of volunteers.
- Star News, 15 January (Wednesday) 1997.
- Headline: Heavy rain delights farmers.
- The Press, 13 January 1997.
- Headline: Man killed by live line.
- The Press, Source: NZPA, 13 January 1997.
- Headline: State of emergency lifted as cyclone departs.
- The Press, Source: NZPA, 13 January 1997.