NZ Historic Weather Events Catalogue

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July 1927 Hawke's Bay and Gisborne Flooding ( 1927-07-01 )

There was widespread flooding resulting in slips, washouts and damage to bridges which closed roads.

North Island

Multi HazardMulti Hazard at North Island
Duration:   2  days - There was heavy rain and flooding in Hawke's Bay and Gisborne from the 1st to the 2nd of July 1927.
Comments:

Gisborne

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Gisborne
Comments:

CommentThere was torrential southerly rain in the Waimata area on the 1st July 1927.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

ImpactWaipaoa and Te Arai rivers rose and inundated low-lying areas.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Gisborne City
Map Location: -38.656661 178.017356
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicGisborne recorded 2.23 in (5.66 cm) of rain in 24 hours.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

ImpactMatokitoko Stream overflowed.

Affected LifelineValley Road, Ormond Road and Mary Street flooded.

ImpactPaddocks were submerged near the suburd of Mangapapa.

Affected LifelineThe bridge near Memorial Home was badly damaged.

FloodingFlooding at Ngatapa
Map Location: -38.587511 177.788321
Comments:

ImpactRoads and property was flooded in Ngatapa.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Te Karaka
Map Location: -38.467237 177.870255
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicTe Karaka recorded 2.87 in (7.29 cm) of rain in 24 hours.

FloodingFlooding at Uawa River
Map Location: -38.337457 178.284611
Comments:

ImpactUawa River was in flood and the flats were flooded.

LandslideLandslide at Loisels Beach
Map Location: -38.44416 178.30025
Comments:

Affected LifelineThere was a slip on the coast road which covered the road for 200-300 yards (183-274 m).

FloodingFlooding at Waimata
Map Location: -38.503811 178.046705
Comments:

ImpactExtensive areas of land was flooded. A number of farms in the valley were submerged.

Stock DamageThere were heavy stock losses.

Property DamageA house floated off its piles.

DamageThere was flooding and damage to properties and roads.

ImpactTwo sheds containing a car and a lorry were submerged.

LandslideLandslide
Comments:

Affected LifelineA few roads were blocked by slips.

FloodingFlooding at Waimata River
Map Location: -38.54096 178.03006
Comments:

CommentWaimata River rose rapidly due to heavy rain and was in exceptionally high flood.

Peak River LevelThe water level was 6 in (15 cm) above the deck of McDonalds Bridge and the river was 35 ft (10.7 m) above normal.

Affected LifelineSeveral bridges were washed away. Two small bridges known as Kennedys and Savages were badly damage. McDonalds Bridge was swept off its piers.

Damage CostThe cost to rebuild McDonalds Bridge was £2500 ($215,900 2010 dollars).

Physical CharacteristicWaimata River at Kenways Bridge rose to 8 ft (2.44 m).

Hawke's Bay

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Hawke's Bay
Comments:

CommentHeavy rain fell in Hawke's Bay for 36 hours.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

ImpactThere was widespread flooding in Hawke's Bay o the 1st and 2nd July 1927.

Affected LifelineSeveral roads were blocked by slips and washouts. Every road between Hsatings and Napier was blocked by flood waters.

Damage CostThe damage to Hawke's Bay county roads totalled £686 ($59,250 2010 dollars).

CommentIt was the most serious flood to occur in Hawke's Bay in recent years.

Affected LifelineWaitangi, Pakowhai, Karamu and Rissington bridges were closed to traffic.

ImpactConsiderable areas of land was inundated.

Stock DamageStock losses were light.

FloodingFlooding at Fernhill
Map Location: -39.590617 176.762035
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicNgaruroro River rose 10 ft (3.05 m) above normal at Fernhill.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Hastings
Map Location: -39.635771 176.828045
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicHastings recorded 3.24 in (8.23 cm) of rain in 24 hours ending 9am on the 2nd.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

Affected LifelineBuses stopped running between Hastings and Napier due to road flooding.

ImpactNgaruroro River broke the bank at Raupare Road and flooded a large area of land.

High Wind GustsHigh Wind / Gust
Comments:

ImpactHigh winds lifted a portion of the rugby sub-unions grandstand.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Havelock North
Map Location: -39.673179 176.882039
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicHavelock North recorded 2.5 in (6.35 cm) of rain in 24 hours ending 9am on the 2nd.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

CommentCreeks were very high.

Affected LifelineWater was pouring down the road onto St. Hills Lane.

ImpactLow-lying paddocks near the river were submerged.

High Wind GustsHigh Wind / Gust
Comments:

CommentThere was a gale in Havelock North.

Affected LifelineLight in the township failed three times.

FloodingFlooding at Karamu
Map Location: -39.630771 176.883147
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe road at Karamu was submerged for 300 yards (274 m).

FloodingFlooding at Mangateretere
Map Location: -39.62121 176.89379
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicTukituki River rose 6 ft (1.83 m) above normal at Mangateretere.

FloodingFlooding at Matahorua Viaduct
Map Location: -39.168128 176.952838
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe centre pier of the bridge dropped nearly 4 ft (1.22 m).

LandslideLandslide
Comments:

Affected LifelineThere were several slips on the road at Matahorua Gorge.

FloodingFlooding at Meeanee
Map Location: -39.542704 176.888089
Comments:

Peak River LevelTutaekuri River rose 12 ft 6 in (3.81 m) above normal at Meeanee.

ImpactThe river overflowed and hundreds of acres were inundated. Very heavy deposits of silt were left.

LandslideLandslide at Mohaka Gorge
Map Location: -39.114358 177.197486
Comments:

Affected LifelineThere were several slips on the road at Mohaka Gorge.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Napier
Map Location: -39.502426 176.892804
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicNapier recorded 213 points (7.51 cm) of rain in 24 hours.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

ImpactLow-lying land towards Farndon Road was flooded.

EvacueesThe grounds of Napier Boy's High School was covered by water 3 ft (0.91 m) deep and buildings were flooded. Water also submerged an adjoining primary school. 60 boys boarding at the high school had to leave for the night.

ImpactA number of cottages were invaded by water.

CommentAll rivers in the district were in high flood.

LandslideLandslide
Comments:

Affected LifelineSmall slips were reported on many roads on the hills. There many slips along the Napier-Wairoa Road.

FloodingFlooding at Ngaruroro River
Map Location: -39.580827 176.799364
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicNgaruroro River rose 14 ft 6 in (4.42 m) above normal at Anderson's bend.

FloodingFlooding at Pakowhai
Map Location: -39.584175 176.861298
Comments:

Affected LifelineQuarter of a mile (400 m) of road was submerged to 4 ft (1.22 m).

Peak River LevelNgaruroro River rose 15 ft 9 in (4.80 m) above normal at Pakowhai.

FloodingFlooding at Papakura Domain
Map Location: -39.549986 176.885204
Comments:

ImpactTutaekuri River broke the bank at Papakura in several places.

FloodingFlooding at Puketapu
Map Location: -39.508443 176.793634
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicTutaekuri River rose 9 ft (2.74 m) above normal at Puketapu.

FloodingFlooding at Tukituki River
Map Location: -39.900244 176.162889
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicTukituki River rose 11 ft 4 in (3.45 m) above normal at the Grange Bridge.

FloodingFlooding at Tutira
Map Location: -39.207531 176.881485
Comments:

CommentLake Tutira overflowed.

LandslideLandslide
Comments:

Affected LifelineThere was a bad slip and washout on Tongoio Road between Devil's Elbow and Tutira.

FloodingFlooding at Waipukurau
Map Location: -39.999445 176.562423
Comments:

ImpactSeveral hundred acres near the racecourse was inundated.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Whanawhana
Map Location: -39.542825 176.431084
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicWhanawhana recorded 3.5 in (8.89 cm) of rain in 24 hours ending 9am on the 2nd.

FloodingFlooding at Whakatu
Map Location: -39.604048 176.900288
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicNgaruroro River rose 15 ft 6 in (4.72 m) above normal at Whakatu.

References

Cowie, C.A., Attwood, A.K. (1957) Floods in New Zealand 1920-1953, The Soil Conservation Control Council, Wellington, New Zealand
Headline: Storm and flood.
The Gisborne Times, 4 July 1927.
Headline: Waters Subside, Waters Rapidly Subsiding.
The Gisborne Times, 5 July 1927.
Headline: Flood Conditions, Rivers Rise Rapidly.
The Hawke's Bay Tribune, 2 July 1927.
Headline: After the Flood, Waters Subsiding.
The Hawke's Bay Tribune, 4 July 1927.
Headline: House floats of piles.
The Hawke's Bay Tribune, 4 July 1927.

July 1927 Hawke's Bay and Gisborne Flooding ( 1927-07-01 )

There was widespread flooding resulting in slips, washouts and damage to bridges which closed roads.

North Island

Multi HazardMulti Hazard at North Island
Duration:   2  days - There was heavy rain and flooding in Hawke's Bay and Gisborne from the 1st to the 2nd of July 1927.
Comments:

Gisborne

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Gisborne
Comments:

CommentThere was torrential southerly rain in the Waimata area on the 1st July 1927.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

ImpactWaipaoa and Te Arai rivers rose and inundated low-lying areas.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Gisborne City
Map Location: -38.656661 178.017356
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicGisborne recorded 2.23 in (5.66 cm) of rain in 24 hours.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

ImpactMatokitoko Stream overflowed.

Affected LifelineValley Road, Ormond Road and Mary Street flooded.

ImpactPaddocks were submerged near the suburd of Mangapapa.

Affected LifelineThe bridge near Memorial Home was badly damaged.

FloodingFlooding at Ngatapa
Map Location: -38.587511 177.788321
Comments:

ImpactRoads and property was flooded in Ngatapa.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Te Karaka
Map Location: -38.467237 177.870255
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicTe Karaka recorded 2.87 in (7.29 cm) of rain in 24 hours.

FloodingFlooding at Uawa River
Map Location: -38.337457 178.284611
Comments:

ImpactUawa River was in flood and the flats were flooded.

LandslideLandslide at Loisels Beach
Map Location: -38.44416 178.30025
Comments:

Affected LifelineThere was a slip on the coast road which covered the road for 200-300 yards (183-274 m).

FloodingFlooding at Waimata
Map Location: -38.503811 178.046705
Comments:

ImpactExtensive areas of land was flooded. A number of farms in the valley were submerged.

Stock DamageThere were heavy stock losses.

Property DamageA house floated off its piles.

DamageThere was flooding and damage to properties and roads.

ImpactTwo sheds containing a car and a lorry were submerged.

LandslideLandslide
Comments:

Affected LifelineA few roads were blocked by slips.

FloodingFlooding at Waimata River
Map Location: -38.54096 178.03006
Comments:

CommentWaimata River rose rapidly due to heavy rain and was in exceptionally high flood.

Peak River LevelThe water level was 6 in (15 cm) above the deck of McDonalds Bridge and the river was 35 ft (10.7 m) above normal.

Affected LifelineSeveral bridges were washed away. Two small bridges known as Kennedys and Savages were badly damage. McDonalds Bridge was swept off its piers.

Damage CostThe cost to rebuild McDonalds Bridge was £2500 ($215,900 2010 dollars).

Physical CharacteristicWaimata River at Kenways Bridge rose to 8 ft (2.44 m).

Hawke's Bay

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Hawke's Bay
Comments:

CommentHeavy rain fell in Hawke's Bay for 36 hours.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

ImpactThere was widespread flooding in Hawke's Bay o the 1st and 2nd July 1927.

Affected LifelineSeveral roads were blocked by slips and washouts. Every road between Hsatings and Napier was blocked by flood waters.

Damage CostThe damage to Hawke's Bay county roads totalled £686 ($59,250 2010 dollars).

CommentIt was the most serious flood to occur in Hawke's Bay in recent years.

Affected LifelineWaitangi, Pakowhai, Karamu and Rissington bridges were closed to traffic.

ImpactConsiderable areas of land was inundated.

Stock DamageStock losses were light.

FloodingFlooding at Fernhill
Map Location: -39.590617 176.762035
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicNgaruroro River rose 10 ft (3.05 m) above normal at Fernhill.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Hastings
Map Location: -39.635771 176.828045
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicHastings recorded 3.24 in (8.23 cm) of rain in 24 hours ending 9am on the 2nd.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

Affected LifelineBuses stopped running between Hastings and Napier due to road flooding.

ImpactNgaruroro River broke the bank at Raupare Road and flooded a large area of land.

High Wind GustsHigh Wind / Gust
Comments:

ImpactHigh winds lifted a portion of the rugby sub-unions grandstand.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Havelock North
Map Location: -39.673179 176.882039
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicHavelock North recorded 2.5 in (6.35 cm) of rain in 24 hours ending 9am on the 2nd.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

CommentCreeks were very high.

Affected LifelineWater was pouring down the road onto St. Hills Lane.

ImpactLow-lying paddocks near the river were submerged.

High Wind GustsHigh Wind / Gust
Comments:

CommentThere was a gale in Havelock North.

Affected LifelineLight in the township failed three times.

FloodingFlooding at Karamu
Map Location: -39.630771 176.883147
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe road at Karamu was submerged for 300 yards (274 m).

FloodingFlooding at Mangateretere
Map Location: -39.62121 176.89379
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicTukituki River rose 6 ft (1.83 m) above normal at Mangateretere.

FloodingFlooding at Matahorua Viaduct
Map Location: -39.168128 176.952838
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe centre pier of the bridge dropped nearly 4 ft (1.22 m).

LandslideLandslide
Comments:

Affected LifelineThere were several slips on the road at Matahorua Gorge.

FloodingFlooding at Meeanee
Map Location: -39.542704 176.888089
Comments:

Peak River LevelTutaekuri River rose 12 ft 6 in (3.81 m) above normal at Meeanee.

ImpactThe river overflowed and hundreds of acres were inundated. Very heavy deposits of silt were left.

LandslideLandslide at Mohaka Gorge
Map Location: -39.114358 177.197486
Comments:

Affected LifelineThere were several slips on the road at Mohaka Gorge.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Napier
Map Location: -39.502426 176.892804
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicNapier recorded 213 points (7.51 cm) of rain in 24 hours.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

ImpactLow-lying land towards Farndon Road was flooded.

EvacueesThe grounds of Napier Boy's High School was covered by water 3 ft (0.91 m) deep and buildings were flooded. Water also submerged an adjoining primary school. 60 boys boarding at the high school had to leave for the night.

ImpactA number of cottages were invaded by water.

CommentAll rivers in the district were in high flood.

LandslideLandslide
Comments:

Affected LifelineSmall slips were reported on many roads on the hills. There many slips along the Napier-Wairoa Road.

FloodingFlooding at Ngaruroro River
Map Location: -39.580827 176.799364
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicNgaruroro River rose 14 ft 6 in (4.42 m) above normal at Anderson's bend.

FloodingFlooding at Pakowhai
Map Location: -39.584175 176.861298
Comments:

Affected LifelineQuarter of a mile (400 m) of road was submerged to 4 ft (1.22 m).

Peak River LevelNgaruroro River rose 15 ft 9 in (4.80 m) above normal at Pakowhai.

FloodingFlooding at Papakura Domain
Map Location: -39.549986 176.885204
Comments:

ImpactTutaekuri River broke the bank at Papakura in several places.

FloodingFlooding at Puketapu
Map Location: -39.508443 176.793634
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicTutaekuri River rose 9 ft (2.74 m) above normal at Puketapu.

FloodingFlooding at Tukituki River
Map Location: -39.900244 176.162889
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicTukituki River rose 11 ft 4 in (3.45 m) above normal at the Grange Bridge.

FloodingFlooding at Tutira
Map Location: -39.207531 176.881485
Comments:

CommentLake Tutira overflowed.

LandslideLandslide
Comments:

Affected LifelineThere was a bad slip and washout on Tongoio Road between Devil's Elbow and Tutira.

FloodingFlooding at Waipukurau
Map Location: -39.999445 176.562423
Comments:

ImpactSeveral hundred acres near the racecourse was inundated.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Whanawhana
Map Location: -39.542825 176.431084
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicWhanawhana recorded 3.5 in (8.89 cm) of rain in 24 hours ending 9am on the 2nd.

FloodingFlooding at Whakatu
Map Location: -39.604048 176.900288
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicNgaruroro River rose 15 ft 6 in (4.72 m) above normal at Whakatu.

References

Cowie, C.A., Attwood, A.K. (1957) Floods in New Zealand 1920-1953, The Soil Conservation Control Council, Wellington, New Zealand
Headline: Storm and flood.
The Gisborne Times, 4 July 1927.
Headline: Waters Subside, Waters Rapidly Subsiding.
The Gisborne Times, 5 July 1927.
Headline: Flood Conditions, Rivers Rise Rapidly.
The Hawke's Bay Tribune, 2 July 1927.
Headline: After the Flood, Waters Subsiding.
The Hawke's Bay Tribune, 4 July 1927.
Headline: House floats of piles.
The Hawke's Bay Tribune, 4 July 1927.