NZ Historic Weather Events Catalogue
March 1975 New Zealand Ex-tropical Cyclone Alison
(
1975-03-10
)
35-200+ years
Ex-tropical Cyclone Alison caused high winds, heavy rain, flooding, slips and high seas around many parts of New Zealand. Much damage was done to roads, rail and both public and private property. A girl died in the Waikato after she touched a felled electric wire. A car accident on a flooded road in Canterbury saw one woman killed and a girl injured. Some people were also injured when a car fell into a road subsidence in Christchurch.
New Zealand
Multi Hazard
at
New Zealand
Duration: 5 days - From the 10th to the 14th of March.
The remains of Tropical Cyclone Alison. Cyclone Alison moved southwards, passing west of the country during the 11th to the 14th. On the 11th and 12th, a strong northeast airstream was flowing onto the South Island. The storm was centred off the western side of the North Island, and drifted down the Taranaki coast and onto Buller and Westland.
Anecdotal reports suggest that, at a time when the wind was destroying property in Greymouth, it was flat calm in Kaikoura, but coming down “in buckets”. Orographic enhancement of very moist, humid tropical air was obviously a major contributor to heavy rain. An anticyclone passing south of the South Island helped maintain a very strong pressure gradient on the south-eastern flank of the low, and also ingested some cold air into the system. The low weakened as the high moved away.
Scattered damage occurred over much of New Zealand. Trees were uprooted, house roofs lifted, boats sunk, and farms and towns were flooded, all the way from Northland to Otago.
Northland
High Wind / Gust
at
Northland
Northland was lashed by the cyclone on the 11th and telephone and power services in many areas were disrupted.
All toll links with Dargaville were cut. Communications with Kaitaia were cut. Some areas further north, including the Cape Reinga lighthouse, were cut off.
High Wind / Gust
at
Whangarei
Whangarei airport reported one gust of 63 knots (117 km/hr) at 1.40pm on the 11th.
Auckland
Multi Hazard
at
Auckland
The storm on the 11th was the worst storm in Auckland in 15 years.
Multi Hazard
at
Auckland City
Fierce, gusting winds and torrential rain occurred in Auckland on the 11th. Cyclone Alison was centred about 180 miles north-west of the city on the 11th. The centre of the cyclone was expected to hit the Taranaki Bight on the night of the 12th, then move across the North lsland toward Hawkes Bay and the BOP.
Auckland recorded 28 mm (2.8 cm) of rain between noon and 10pm on the 11th.
Flooding
Scores of cars were stranded all over the city as water ran inches deep in many streets.
High Wind / Gust
Auckland was lashed by gusts of up to 55 knots 102 km/hr).
The storm brought down power lines in many parts of the city. Falling trees and branches were largely to blame. The areas that suffered the most were Orakei, Remuera and Mangere.
Multi Hazard
at
Henderson
The storm came at the worst possible time for Henderson orchardists. Peaches, just ready for picking, were damaged by the driving rain and strong winds.
Heavy Rain
at
Howick
A torrential downpour hit part of Auckland on the 14th and caused extensive flooding in Howick and Glenowie, and thousands of dollars in damage.
A back yard rain gauge in Auckland recorded 4 in (10.16 cm) in 45 minutes.
Flooding
The Howick branch of the Manukau Knitting Mills Ltd was severely hit. The factory floor was covered for a time in three feet (0.91 m) of water and large amounts of stock were ruined and machinery damaged. The damage to this factory was estimated at more than $100,000 ($901,000 2010 dollars).
In Juliet St, Howick, basements were flooded as drain tops were blown off by water pressure.
Behar Presses N.Z. Ltd. Of Vincent St, Howick, lost all of its stock. Five feet (1.52 m) of water covered the floor and it was found that the pressure had lifted the floor three feet (0.91 m) from the foundations.
High Wind / Gust
at
Manurewa
About 1100 pupils at the James Cook High School were sent home as gusts of wind tore tiles from the roof.
Maritime / Coastal
at
Northcote
A near-new yacht sank off Northcote Point. It was worth $40,000 ($350,000 2008 dollars).
High Wind / Gust
at
Waitemata Harbour
Auckland Harbour recorded winds of up to 65 mph (105 km/hr).
In the Hauraki Gulf the winds reached 70 knots (130 km/hr) whipping up high seas which ripped boats from their moorings in the Waitemata Harbour.
The storm brought work on ships at Fergusson Wharf to a halt for two days until the 12th. Ships were delayed and cargo work was disrupted by the storm.
The Auckland Launch and Towboat Company had a busy day on the 12th salvaging about half a dozen yachts and small craft. Most spare Harbour Board craft were busy salvaging pleasure craft which had broken their moorings.
A 35-foot ketch Sea Call was dashed onto the rocks. A 38-foot launch Te Kowhai was smashed against the sea wall in Okahu Bay. The launch was valued at about $15,000 ($135,000 2010 dollars). A 38-foot sloop, moored at Northcote, was torn free and driven aground, where she promptly sank.
High Wind / Gust
at
Warkworth
State Highway 1, north of Warkworth, was blocked by a fallen tree on the 11th for half an hour.
Waikato
High Wind / Gust
at
Waikato
Trees were uprooted.
Fruit was damaged in orchards.
Power cuts were widespread.
Phone lines between Te Awamutu and Kawhia were cut for a short period.
The Piako County experienced gale force winds up to 70 knots (130 km/hr).
Trees were blown down and roads blocked in the Piako County.
Multi Hazard
Roads were affected by slips and flooding.
Gale force winds and heavy rain left a trail of damage in the Thames-Coromandel District.
Power faults occurred in the Thames-Coromandel District.
Heavy rain closed the Kopu-Hikuai road.
There was one minor road accident in the Waikato.
Flooding
at
Awaroa River
The Awaroa Rivers flooded to the highest level in memory.
Multi Hazard
at
Hahei
The Hahei area was without power and telephone for some hours.
Multi Hazard
at
Hamilton
Hamilton Airport was closed from 4:30pm on the 11th until the morning of the 12th.
High Wind / Gust
Hamilton Airport recorded wind gusts of up to 40 knots (74 km/hr).
Flooding
at
Hikuai
Hikuai was without power from midnight on the 11th, and road flooding had prevented access to the town until late morning of the 12th.
There was several feet of water over S.H. 25 at Hikuai.
The Tapu Creek Road was without power from midnight until 8 a.m. on the 12th because of flooding.
The coast road between Waikawau and Wilsons Bay was without power after a pole was washed out near Waikawau Bridge.
Multi Hazard
at
Hot Water Beach
The Hot Water Beach area was without power and telephone for some hours.
Flooding
at
Kauri Stream
The Kauri River flooded to the highest level in memory.
High Wind / Gust
at
Manawaru
Pupils from Manawaru School were sent home. The storm took the roof off a prefabricated classroom, lifted the roof off a junior classroom and cut off water and power supplies.
Multi Hazard
at
Matamata
High winds and heavy rain left a trail of damage throughout the Matamata area.
Power faults occurred, and waterworks were affected.
High Wind / Gust
Trees were uprooted.
High Wind / Gust
at
Morrinsville
Power lines were downed in Morrinsville.
Six trees fell across the highway between Morrinsville and Te Aroha.
Heavy Rain
at
Oparau
Oparau recorded 127 mm (12.7 cm) of rain.
High Wind / Gust
at
Otorohanga
At Otorohanga, sheds were demolished and trees uprooted.
Power and telephone lines were down.
High Wind / Gust
at
Raglan
A boat tore free from moorings at Raglan and was blown onto rocks.
Residents between Te Uku and Raglan were without power several times on the night of the 11th as high winds battered the area.
Multi Hazard
at
Rotorua
Rotorua Airport was closed.
High Wind / Gust
Rotorua experienced gale force winds.
Flooding
Surface flooding occurred.
High Wind / Gust
at
Rotowaro
A 4-year-old girl died in Rotowaro on the 11th when she touched a live wire brought down into a backyard by high winds.
Phone and power wires were broken.
Trees were broken.
Heavy Rain
at
Rukuhia
Rukuhia recorded 48 mm (4.8 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Heavy Rain
at
Te Aroha
Te Aroha recorded 150 mm (15.0 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
High Wind / Gust
A school at Te Aroha lost some roofing.
Power lines were downed in Te Aroha.
Flooding
There was minor flooding and a few trees down, but rivers did not go beyond the 'fresh' level.
Flooding
at
Te Awamutu
Flooding occurred at Te Awamutu.
Sheep were lost.
Trees were blown down.
The winds blew power lines down.
Heavy Rain
at
Te Puru
Puru recorded 166.3 mm (16.6 cm) of rain in 24 hours up to 9 a.m. on th 12th.
Multi Hazard
at
Thames
Cyclone Alison, brought high winds and gusty rain to most of the area on the 11th, causing power faults on the coast and wrecking prized gardens in Thames
No boat damages were reported.
Heavy Rain
Thames recorded 80 mm (8.0 cm) of rain in 24 hours up to 9 a.m. on th 12th.
Flooding
The Kauaeranga River overlapped it banks to cover much of the Parawai floodway.
There were no reports of flooding of any consequence.
High Wind / Gust
The wind brought down trees across lines or blew over power poles. Some areas were still without power on the 12th.
The gale force winds played havoc with gardens throughout the area, while streets and roads were littered with leaves and branches.
Many advertising signs were destroyed and other road signs wre left at odd angles.
Heavy Rain
at
Waitawheta
Waitawheta recorded 138 mm (13.8 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
High Wind / Gust
at
Wharekaho Beach
At Simpsons Beach, a bach was toppled off its foundations and a phone box in the town was blown over.
Multi Hazard
at
Whitianga
Heavy rain accompanied gale force winds and caused minor flooding and dirty brown seas in the harbour and inner part of Mercury Bay.
High Wind / Gust
The township had some minor power problems.
High winds blew a large sign down off the roof of a local garage and a 16 ft boat on its trailer from the garage in which it was berthed on to the road.
Minor damages occurred over a widespread area the most serious reported being the complete demolition of a steel clad garage at Wharekaho Beach.
There was damage to hoardings and T.V. aerials, broken telephone lines, uprooted trees and the capsize of a caravan.
Landslide
Slips on the Tapu Hill Road brought about temporary closures and the road via Tairua was closed for some time.
Bay of Plenty
High Wind / Gust
at
Bay of Plenty
Roofs were torn from houses, trees were toppled and windows were blown in.
High Wind / Gust
at
Waihi Beach
At Waihi Beach, two houses lost their roofs and one bach was blown over.
Power supplies were cut.
Hawke's Bay
Multi Hazard
at
Hawke's Bay
In Central Hawke's Bay, slips, washouts, and flood waters blocked roads. Major damage was done on State Highway 50.
Communications were disrupted, and power cut.
Some schools were closed.
Young apple tree blocks weree hard hit by winds and rain.
Flooding
Severe damage to the timber bridges across Waipawa, Tukituki and Makaretu rivers on State Highway 50 closed the highway for several weeks. Trees and timber debris transported by the floodwaters contributed importantly to the bridge damage.
The replacement cost for the bridges could be $1 million ($8,700,000 2008 dollars).
Farmland was affected.
Multi Hazard
at
Clive
Some damage was done to crops at Clive.
Flooding
The Ngaruroro River rose suddenly and broke through a stopbank into Muddy Creek at Clive on the 12th.
A small amount of land was flooded around School Road. There was surface flooding in paddocks.
Multi Hazard
at
Napier
Napier Airport was closed from 9am to 5pm on th 12th.
Heavy Rain
at
Ruahine Range
Howletts Hut recorded 480 mm (48.0 cm) of rain in 72 hours (Return Period more than 150 years).
Howletts Hut recorded 305 mm (30.5 cm) of rain in 24 hours (Return Period more than 150 years).
Hut Ruin recorded 558 mm (55.8 cm) of rain in 72 hours (Return Period more than 150 years).
Hut Ruin recorded 251 mm (25.1 cm) of rain in 24 hours (Return Period more than 150 years).
Park's Peak Hut recorded 539 mm (53.9cm) of rain in 72 hours (Return Period more than 150 years).
Park's Peak Hut recorded 241 mm (24.1 cm) of rain in 24 hours (Return Period more than 150 years).
Pohatuhaha recorded 523 mm (52.3cm) of rain in 72 hours (Return Period more than 150 years).
Pohatuhaha recorded 234 mm (23.4 cm) of rain in 24 hours (Return Period more than 150 years).
Multi Hazard
New slips occurred widely even on well-forested slopes. Massive deposition resulted in the upper channels of many basins. Trees and timber debris, from erosion of forested areas, transported by the flood waters contributed to severe damage to three major bridges on State Highway 50.
High Wind / Gust
The high gusts recorded at Levin indicated some very strong winds over the Ruahine Ranges.
Flooding
at
Waipukurau
Sewage systems were affected at Waipukurau.
Taranaki
Maritime / Coastal
at
Port Taranaki
Port Taranaki was left in havoc on the 12th as the cyclone whipped up high seas and gale force winds. Two small boats sank in the harbour.
Manawatu-Wanganui
Heavy Rain
at
Dannevirke
Dannevirke recorded 114.6 mm (11.5 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Flooding
Flash flooding occurred in Dannevirke on the 11th.
The water supply was affected.
Bridge approaches were washed away by rivers in flood.
Farms were flooded and littered with debris.
The Kumeti River bed was lifted 4 ft (1.2 m) by stones and rubble brought down by the floods.
Heavy Rain
at
Pohangina Saddle
Pohangina Saddle recorded 612 mm (61.2 cm) of rain in 72 hours (Return Period more than 150 years).
Pohangina Saddle recorded 389 mm (38.9 cm) of rain in 24 hours (Return Period more than 150 years).
Wellington
Multi Hazard
at
Wellington
Some South Wairarapa residents were evacuated.
Crops were flattened.
Minor damage was done in Wellington on the 12th.
Trains were delayed.
Flooding
In South Wairarapa, rivers were high and roads were flooded.
High Wind / Gust
Gale force north-east-easterly winds gusted to 50 knots (93 km/hr).
Flooding
at
Carterton
The Carterton water supply was discoloured.
High Wind / Gust
at
Castlepoint
Castlepoint recorded winds of 40 knots (74 km/hr).
Heavy Rain
at
Kapaitangata Stream
Kaipaitangata recorded 133 mm (13.3 cm) of rain.
Kaipaitangata Valley recorded 139 mm (13.9 cm) of rain.
High Wind / Gust
at
Kelburn
Kelburn recorded winds of up to 56 knots (104 km/hr).
High Wind / Gust
at
Paekakariki
High winds caused an estimated $2000 ($17,000 2008 dollars) of damage to Paekakariki school. A bicycle shed was lifted and thrown through a fence, windows were broken, a doorway stoved in and a goalpost was snapped.
Roofs were blown off and trees uprooted.
High Wind / Gust
at
Upper Hutt
Golden coast and Upper Hutt felt the full force of the winds.
South Island
Multi Hazard
at
South Island
There was no telephone communication between Nelson and Christchurch.
Marlborough
Heavy Rain
at
Marlborough
Torrential rain fell on Marlborough's east coast on the 12th.
Flooding
In Marlborough, rivers flooded, and bridges and approaches were washed out. Several county bridges were torn out.
The state highway and main trunk line were blocked in several places by flood waters and washouts.
Miles of fencing was damaged, and flatlands and pastures were ruined by rock.
Flooding
at
Awatere River
Awatere Valley Road was cut in several places.
Landslide
at
Blenheim
Many slips occurred on roads in Blenheim.
High Wind / Gust
At Blenheim, winds blew steadilyat 40 km/hr, with gusts up to 55 km/hr.
Heavy Rain
at
Cape Campbell
Cape Campbell recorded 1 in (2.5 cm) of rain overnight on the 11th/12th.
High Wind / Gust
At Camp Campbell, winds gusted to 60 km/hr.
Maritime / Coastal
The sea was rough.
High Wind / Gust
at
French Pass
Port Ligar and the French Pass were without power.
Heavy Rain
at
Hillersden
Hillersden recorded 68.2 mm (6.8 cm) of rain in 48 hours.
Multi Hazard
at
Kenepuru Sound
Heavy rain and strong winds were experienced in the Kenepuru area.
High Wind / Gust
at
Picton
Picton experienced gale force winds.
At Picton, winds gusted to 50 knots (93 km/hr).
Heavy Rain
The wind was accompained by heavy rain. Heavy rain ceased late in the day on the 12th.
Picton recorded 50 mm (5.0 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 12th.
Picton recorded 1in (2.5 cm) of rain in the three hours from 9am to 12pm on the 12th.
Pupils of Picton Borough School were sent home due to a leaking roof.
There was a deluge in the hills behind Esson's Valley.
Flooding
Flood waters swirled around buildings in Picton.
Waitohi Stream turned into a river. It was a torrent over 50 ft (15 m) wide in parts, carrying logs and debris.
Sandbags were placed on top of a stopbank at the Broadway bridge.
Alexanders Motor Park was cut off from the road, with swirling water several feet deep across the bridge.
A creek behind Blue Anchor Motor Camp burst its banks.
The town's new water supply from Koromiko was out of action. Water supplies for the town were being taken from a dam on Waitohi Stream.
The single-lane bridge on Broadway was closed.
One dwelling was flooded at Waikaka.
High Wind / Gust
at
Port Ligar
Port Ligar and the French Pass were without power.
Multi Hazard
at
Port Underwood
Port Underwood Road was closed.
High Wind / Gust
at
Rai Valley
Rai Valley was without power.
Flooding
at
Seddon
Seddon was left without a water supply after flood water damaged the works in the Black Birch Stream.
Bridges were destroyed and several bridge approaches were washed out.
Pastures were ruined.
Seddon school was closed.
Heavy Rain
at
Wairau Valley
Wairau Valley township recorded 82 mm (8.2 cm) of rain in 48 hours.
Heavy Rain
at
Wye River
Wye recorded 63 mm (6.3 cm) of rain in 48 hours.
Tasman-Nelson
Multi Hazard
at
Tasman-Nelson
Two schools in the Nelson region were closed - Pakawau School and Tarakohe School.
Telephone blackouts on the 12th isolated thousands of people in the Nelson province. About 670 phones were out of order.
Parts of the Neson district were without power for up to 12 hours, including Ngawhatu Hospital.
Heavy Rain
Heavy rain caused thousands of dollars of damage to many homes.
Flooding
at
Awaroa River
The Awaroa River flooded to the highest known levels.
Flooding
at
Baton River
Baton River was at its highest level for 15 years.
Flooding
at
Golden Bay
Torrential rain caused extensive flooding in Golden Bay.
A Civil Defence Emergency was declared for Golden Bay on the 13th due to flooding in the area and build up of water behind the Cobb dam and the head of the Takaka Valley.
High Wind / Gust
Gale force winds ravaged Golden Bay, leaving a trail of damaged houses, demolished farm sheds and uprooted trees.
High Wind / Gust
at
Golden Downs
At Golden Downs, over 1000 acres (405 ha) of trees were damaged.
More than $1,000,000 ($8,700,000 2008 dollars) worth of damage was caused by Cyclone Alison which swept Golden Downs State Forest on the 11th and 12th. More than five million cubic feet of timber was estimated to have been blown down.
Maritime / Coastal
at
Honeymoon Bay
At Honeymoon Bay, most of the sand was swept away from the beach.
Maritime / Coastal
at
Kaiteriteri
Pleasure craft at Kaiteriteri took a severe pounding on the 12th. Only three of 14 boats moored in the bay remained afloat, and two were broken up on the foreshore.
One man came close to drowning at Kaiteriteri.
Virtually all the sand on the northern end of the beach was swept away.
Maritime / Coastal
at
Marahau
Serious beach erosion occurred at Marahau.
High Wind / Gust
at
Motupipi
A house at Motupipi lost part of its roof.
Heavy Rain
at
Nelson City
Heavy rain in parts of the Nelson district on the 13th, brought some minor flooding.
High Wind / Gust
At Nelson, trees were uprooted, fences and sheds wrecked, and cars damaged by flying debris.
Roofs and roof tiles were lifted, a caravan was smashed and a glasshouse demolished. Four houses had their roofs ripped off by wind. Two of the houses needed to be rebuilt inside after water got onto the ceilings, which then collapsed.
Power cuts were experienced and phones were out. Ngawhatu Hospital was without power.
Orchards were stripped and commercial glasshouse growers suffered. One grower lost two glasshouses of a total of 9000 sq ft (836 m^2) and another five 150 ft by 30 ft (46 m by 9 m) houses.
Flights were cancelled.
1500 acres (607 ha) of native bush was flattened.
Winds gusts were estimated at up to 100 knots (185 km/hr) at the brow of the hill.
At Stoke, winds gusted up to 68 knots (126 km/hr).
Nelson recorded south-easterly gusts of up to 75 kt (139 km/hr).
Measured winds were unusually high at Nelson.
Maritime / Coastal
Small craft were battered.
Multi Hazard
Stoke school was closed.
Thousands of dollars worth of damage was done by water in roofless houses in upper Warehouse Street.
Multi Hazard
at
Pakawau
Pakawau School had no power or water.
Maritime / Coastal
Heavy seas that crashed in the breakwater damaged the road at Pakawau, which was closed to Mangarakau and Puponga traffic.
Serious sea erosion occurred at Pakawau.
Maritime / Coastal
at
Rabbit Island
Serious beach erosion occurred at several points on Rabbit Island.
High Wind / Gust
The wind snapped 100 acres (40.5 ha) of trees throughout the Rabbit Island plantations.
Flooding
at
Riwaka River
The Riwaka River was in flood.
Maritime / Coastal
at
Ruby Bay
Serious sea erosion occurred around the Ruby Bay coastline.
Heavy Rain
at
Takaka
Heavy rain fell in Takaka.
Flooding
A telephone pole was washed out on mud flats, leaving 50 telephone connections out.
Floodwater from the Takaka River blocked the main highway and Bridges Hollow south of the township.
Flooding
at
Takaka River
The Takaka River was at a higher level than in 1972, but not as high as in the 1967 flood.
Flooding
at
Tarakohe
Tarakohe School closed due to the sole teacher being unable to get through the floods.
High Wind / Gust
at
Tata Beach
A house at Tata Beach had its roof lifted off.
Heavy Rain
at
Uruwhenua
Uruwhenua recorded 152 mm (15.2 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 8am on the 13th.
Flooding
The road was blocked at Cottons Creek near Uruwhenua.
West Coast
High Wind / Gust
at
Greymouth
Greymouth received the greatest wind damage in living memory.
The wind tore roofs off buildings and demolished Victoria Park.
High Wind / Gust
at
Westport
Cyclone Alison was positioned 100 miles west of Westport on the 13th.
Westport recorded north-east winds of 22 knots (41 km/hr) on the 13th.
Westport recorded gusts of up to 86.4 mph (139 km/hr) on the 13th.
Canterbury
Heavy Rain
at
Canterbury
Ex-tropical Cyclone Alison caused heavy rain along the Kaikoura Coast
Multi Hazard
State Highway 1 and the South Island Main Trunk Railway were closed by 85 slips and washouts from Kaikoura to Clarence. Severe rail and bridge damage occurred, and some motorists were trapped.
The Kaikoura Coast was declared a disaster area on the 17th.
Flooding
Heavy rain caused number of washouts on a number of secondary highway bridges and culverts.
Heavy Rain
at
Blue Duck Creek
Blue Duck received about 400 mm (40.0 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Heavy Rain
at
Christchurch
Christchurch Airport recorded 101.5 mm (10.2 cm) of rain in 24 hours (Return Period 35 years).
Christchurch Airport recorded 98 mm (9.8 cm) of rain in 12 hours (Return Period about 100 years).
Christchurch Airport recorded 80 mm (8.0 cm) of rain in six hours (Return Period 150 years).
The downpour in Christchurch was a "once in 200 years" occurrence, the Weather Office reported.
Flooding
Some people were injured when a car fell into a road subsidence.
Schools were closed.
Christchurch city was flooded.
Families were marooned and evacuated.
Houses and businesses were flooded in Addington.
Market garden crops were damaged. Acres of surface water covered paddocks and washed out crops.
In 1975, houses were flooded to above-floor level by the Heathcote River.
The worst affected were parts of St Albans, Riccarton, Addington and Linwood.
Flooding
at
Deadman Stream
At Deadmans Creek, the river swelled to a raging torrent, and washed out half of the northern approach to the bridge.
The main trunk link beside the highway was impassable due to undermining.
Heavy Rain
at
Kaikoura
Kaikoura township recorded 212 mm (21.2 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 8am on the 13th.
Kaikoura Met recorded 205 mm (20.5 cm) of rain in 24 hours (Return Period 65 years).
Kaikoura Met recorded 193 mm (19.3 cm) of rain in 12 hours (Return Period more than 200 years).
Kaikoura Met recorded 155 mm (15.5 cm) of rain in six hours (Return Period more than 200 years).
Kaikoura recorded a rainfall intensity of 25 mm/hr (2.5 cm/hr) between 6pm and 10:30pm on the 12th.
Kaikoura had a return period of more than 100 years for rainfalls of six-, 12- and 24-hour durations.
The computed return period for the high intensity rainfalls of 6 and 12 hours accompanying Cyclone Alison exceeded 200 years at the Kaikoura Peninsula meteorological station.
The computed return period for the 24 hour high intensity rainfall accompanying Cyclone Alison exceeded 200 years at the Kaikoura Peninsula meteorological station.
In a 48 hour period from 9 a.m. on 11 March 1975, much of the coastal area surrounding Kaikoura was severely damaged by high intensity rainfalls.
Multi Hazard
The Kaikoura township was isolated. State Highway 1 and the Main Trunk Railway were closed by numerous landslides, flood debris and washouts. The railway was not reopened until 25 March. The Main Trunk line was a shambles between Parikawa and just north of Clarence. In some places railway lines swung above washouts 18 feet (5.5 m) deep and 150 feet (46 m) long.
Kaikoura and the surrounding district were declared a disaster area on the 17 March 1975.
Telephone lines were brought down in several places.
No goods or passenger trains were running.
Extensive regolish mass movements occurred within the steep coastal catchments, and rapid stream aggradation and erosion caused damage to the highway and railway. Highway and railway reconstruction following Cyclone Alison exceeded $1,000,000 ($8,700,000 2008 dollars).
Flooding
Major rivers were swollen by flood waters and Lyell Creek overflowed.
Flood waters entered a number of houses and shops on the 12th. Water entered several shops on the seawards side of the road.
The business area was flooded.
2 ft (60 cm) of water flowed through the West End business area.
The bridge over Lyell Creek broke in two when the centre piers collapsed. A footbridge across Lyell Creek was also damaged.
South of Kaikoura major flood damage occurred to the State Highway 1 in the Hundalee Hills and on the adjacent coastal section to the railway immediately north and south of Haumuri Tunnel. Most roads in the area were damaged by flooding.
Waters swept through houses and the business district. In the township, the main shopping area had two feet (0.61 m) of water flowing down the thoroughfare.
Landslide
Six homes along a hillside at East End were evacuated when slips threatened to push the houses off their foundaions.
On State Highway 1, there were 27 slips in the 15 miles between Clarence and Mangamanu.
Flooding
at
Motunau River
Two fishing boats were wrecked and four others damaged when they broke their moorings at the Motunua River mouth and were swept out to sea.
Multi Hazard
at
Kekerengu
Kekerengu experienced heavy rain and high winds.
A 59-year-old woman died in a car accident on the 12th on the flooded highway south of Kekerengu.
In the same accident, an 8-month-old girl received a broken leg and cuts to her head.
The 100-foot (30-metre) bridge across the Kekerengu River was almost was washed out.
Multi Hazard
at
Waipapa Bay
The railway line was pushed 20 yards (6 m) out of alignment by slips and floodwater.
Otago
Flooding
at
Oamaru
At Oamaru, there was severe flooding in town streets.
References
- Bell, D.H. (1976). High intensity rainstorms and geological hazards: Cyclone Alison, March 1975, Kaikoura, New Zealand. Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment, 13(1), pp 189-200.
- Grant, P.J., Hawkins, N.V. and Christie, W. (1978). Rainfalls and floods of Cyclone Alison March 1975 on the north-eastern Ruahine Range. Water and Soil Division, Ministry of Works and Development for the National Water and Soil Conservation Organisation, Wellington.
- Headline: Wind Hazard.
- Hessell, J.W.D.; Holloway, R.H.F.; Knowles, D.G.; Roberts, J.L. (1984). Scientific, Economic and Social Reviews of Natural Hazards in New Zealand. New Zealand National Commission For UNESCO, Wellington.
- Major weather events in New Zealand, Floods and High Rainfall to 31st May 2006.
- Major weather events in New Zealand, Floods and High Rainfall, Floods to 30 Sep 2005.
- Major weather events in New Zealand, Floods and High Rainfall, Floods to 31st July 2006.
- New Zealand Meteorological Service. (2008). Meteorology of Extreme Rainfalls in New Zealand (Mark Pascoe, Ed.).
- Headline: High Winds And Flooding Cut Power.
- Thames Star, 12 March (Wednesday) 1975.
- Headline: Cyclone 'Alison' Hits' Whitianga.
- Thames Star, 13 March (Thrusday) 1975.
- Headline: Alison deals NZ a big buffet, but damage not widespread.
- The Evening Post, 12 March 1975.
- Headline: Cyclone Alison claims the life of four-year-old girl.
- The Hawkes Bay Herald-Tribune, 12 March 1975.
- Headline: Bridges smashed-bill may be $1m.
- The Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, 13 March 1975.
- Headline: East Clive safe after frantic night.
- The Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, 13 March 1975.
- Headline: Fatal crash on highway flooded by big storm.
- The Hawkes Bay Herald-Tribune, 13 March 1975.
- Headline: Winds damage young blocks of apple trees.
- The Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, 13 March 1975.
- Headline: "Big blow" not so bad in Blenheim……Yet!
- The Marlborough Express, 12 March 1975.
- Headline: Kaikoura mops mess up after inch an hour hits town.
- The Marlborough Express, 13 March 1975.
- Headline: Storm wreaks havoc along East Coast.
- The Marlborough Express, 13 March 1975.
- Headline: Trail of minor damage left by Picton flooding.
- The Marlborough Express, 13 March 1975.
- The Nelson Evening Mail, 13 March 1975. Headline Storm smashes Kaiteriteri fleet.
- Headline: Alison hovers near Westport.
- The Nelson Evening Mail, 13 March 1975.
- Headline: Forest havoc in cyclone's wake.
- The Nelson Evening Mail, 13 March 1975.
- Headline: GB floods follow gale.
- The Nelson Evening Mail, 13 March 1975.
- Headline: GB schools may be closed.
- The Nelson Evening Mail, 13 March 1975.
- Headline: Rain drenches roofless homes.
- The Nelson Evening Mail, 13 March 1975.
- Headline: Severed lines cut off thousands.
- The Nelson Evening Mail, 13 March 1975.
- Headline: Big Blow and Rain In Offing.
- The New Zealand Herald, 10 March (Monday) 1975.
- Headline: Taste of Cyclone Alison, Rain And Wind Lash City.
- The New Zealand Herald, 12 March (Wednesday) 1975.
- Headline: Inch an Hour Fall Floods Kaikoura.
- The New Zealand Herald, 13 March (Thursday) 1975.
- Headline: Wind, Seas Halted Wharf Work.
- The New Zealand Herald, 13 March (Thursday) 1975.
- Headline: Freight Run Cut After Flood Chaos.
- The New Zealand Herald, 14 March (Frioday) 1975.
- Headline: Flooding Causes Costly Damage.
- The New Zealand Herald, 15 March (Saturday) 1975.
- Headline: Heathcote flood damage warning.
- The Press, 29 December 1997.
- The Waikato Times, 12 March 1975. Child dies during cyclone's lashing.
- Tomlinson, A.I. (1975). New Zealand Meteorological Service: Cyclone Alison. Technical Information Circular No. 148.
- Headline: Gale Force Winds Leave Trail of Damage.
- Waihi Gazette, 13 March (Thursday) 1975.
- Headline: $1m Damage Caused By Alison.
- Waikato Times, 14 March (Friday) 1975.
March 1975 New Zealand Ex-tropical Cyclone Alison
(
1975-03-10
)
35-200+ years
Ex-tropical Cyclone Alison caused high winds, heavy rain, flooding, slips and high seas around many parts of New Zealand. Much damage was done to roads, rail and both public and private property. A girl died in the Waikato after she touched a felled electric wire. A car accident on a flooded road in Canterbury saw one woman killed and a girl injured. Some people were also injured when a car fell into a road subsidence in Christchurch.
New Zealand
Multi Hazard
at
New Zealand
Duration: 5 days - From the 10th to the 14th of March.
The remains of Tropical Cyclone Alison. Cyclone Alison moved southwards, passing west of the country during the 11th to the 14th. On the 11th and 12th, a strong northeast airstream was flowing onto the South Island. The storm was centred off the western side of the North Island, and drifted down the Taranaki coast and onto Buller and Westland.
Anecdotal reports suggest that, at a time when the wind was destroying property in Greymouth, it was flat calm in Kaikoura, but coming down “in buckets”. Orographic enhancement of very moist, humid tropical air was obviously a major contributor to heavy rain. An anticyclone passing south of the South Island helped maintain a very strong pressure gradient on the south-eastern flank of the low, and also ingested some cold air into the system. The low weakened as the high moved away.
Scattered damage occurred over much of New Zealand. Trees were uprooted, house roofs lifted, boats sunk, and farms and towns were flooded, all the way from Northland to Otago.
Northland
High Wind / Gust
at
Northland
Northland was lashed by the cyclone on the 11th and telephone and power services in many areas were disrupted.
All toll links with Dargaville were cut. Communications with Kaitaia were cut. Some areas further north, including the Cape Reinga lighthouse, were cut off.
High Wind / Gust
at
Whangarei
Whangarei airport reported one gust of 63 knots (117 km/hr) at 1.40pm on the 11th.
Auckland
Multi Hazard
at
Auckland
The storm on the 11th was the worst storm in Auckland in 15 years.
Multi Hazard
at
Auckland City
Fierce, gusting winds and torrential rain occurred in Auckland on the 11th. Cyclone Alison was centred about 180 miles north-west of the city on the 11th. The centre of the cyclone was expected to hit the Taranaki Bight on the night of the 12th, then move across the North lsland toward Hawkes Bay and the BOP.
Auckland recorded 28 mm (2.8 cm) of rain between noon and 10pm on the 11th.
Flooding
Scores of cars were stranded all over the city as water ran inches deep in many streets.
High Wind / Gust
Auckland was lashed by gusts of up to 55 knots 102 km/hr).
The storm brought down power lines in many parts of the city. Falling trees and branches were largely to blame. The areas that suffered the most were Orakei, Remuera and Mangere.
Multi Hazard
at
Henderson
The storm came at the worst possible time for Henderson orchardists. Peaches, just ready for picking, were damaged by the driving rain and strong winds.
Heavy Rain
at
Howick
A torrential downpour hit part of Auckland on the 14th and caused extensive flooding in Howick and Glenowie, and thousands of dollars in damage.
A back yard rain gauge in Auckland recorded 4 in (10.16 cm) in 45 minutes.
Flooding
The Howick branch of the Manukau Knitting Mills Ltd was severely hit. The factory floor was covered for a time in three feet (0.91 m) of water and large amounts of stock were ruined and machinery damaged. The damage to this factory was estimated at more than $100,000 ($901,000 2010 dollars).
In Juliet St, Howick, basements were flooded as drain tops were blown off by water pressure.
Behar Presses N.Z. Ltd. Of Vincent St, Howick, lost all of its stock. Five feet (1.52 m) of water covered the floor and it was found that the pressure had lifted the floor three feet (0.91 m) from the foundations.
High Wind / Gust
at
Manurewa
About 1100 pupils at the James Cook High School were sent home as gusts of wind tore tiles from the roof.
Maritime / Coastal
at
Northcote
A near-new yacht sank off Northcote Point. It was worth $40,000 ($350,000 2008 dollars).
High Wind / Gust
at
Waitemata Harbour
Auckland Harbour recorded winds of up to 65 mph (105 km/hr).
In the Hauraki Gulf the winds reached 70 knots (130 km/hr) whipping up high seas which ripped boats from their moorings in the Waitemata Harbour.
The storm brought work on ships at Fergusson Wharf to a halt for two days until the 12th. Ships were delayed and cargo work was disrupted by the storm.
The Auckland Launch and Towboat Company had a busy day on the 12th salvaging about half a dozen yachts and small craft. Most spare Harbour Board craft were busy salvaging pleasure craft which had broken their moorings.
A 35-foot ketch Sea Call was dashed onto the rocks. A 38-foot launch Te Kowhai was smashed against the sea wall in Okahu Bay. The launch was valued at about $15,000 ($135,000 2010 dollars). A 38-foot sloop, moored at Northcote, was torn free and driven aground, where she promptly sank.
High Wind / Gust
at
Warkworth
State Highway 1, north of Warkworth, was blocked by a fallen tree on the 11th for half an hour.
Waikato
High Wind / Gust
at
Waikato
Trees were uprooted.
Fruit was damaged in orchards.
Power cuts were widespread.
Phone lines between Te Awamutu and Kawhia were cut for a short period.
The Piako County experienced gale force winds up to 70 knots (130 km/hr).
Trees were blown down and roads blocked in the Piako County.
Multi Hazard
Roads were affected by slips and flooding.
Gale force winds and heavy rain left a trail of damage in the Thames-Coromandel District.
Power faults occurred in the Thames-Coromandel District.
Heavy rain closed the Kopu-Hikuai road.
There was one minor road accident in the Waikato.
Flooding
at
Awaroa River
The Awaroa Rivers flooded to the highest level in memory.
Multi Hazard
at
Hahei
The Hahei area was without power and telephone for some hours.
Multi Hazard
at
Hamilton
Hamilton Airport was closed from 4:30pm on the 11th until the morning of the 12th.
High Wind / Gust
Hamilton Airport recorded wind gusts of up to 40 knots (74 km/hr).
Flooding
at
Hikuai
Hikuai was without power from midnight on the 11th, and road flooding had prevented access to the town until late morning of the 12th.
There was several feet of water over S.H. 25 at Hikuai.
The Tapu Creek Road was without power from midnight until 8 a.m. on the 12th because of flooding.
The coast road between Waikawau and Wilsons Bay was without power after a pole was washed out near Waikawau Bridge.
Multi Hazard
at
Hot Water Beach
The Hot Water Beach area was without power and telephone for some hours.
Flooding
at
Kauri Stream
The Kauri River flooded to the highest level in memory.
High Wind / Gust
at
Manawaru
Pupils from Manawaru School were sent home. The storm took the roof off a prefabricated classroom, lifted the roof off a junior classroom and cut off water and power supplies.
Multi Hazard
at
Matamata
High winds and heavy rain left a trail of damage throughout the Matamata area.
Power faults occurred, and waterworks were affected.
High Wind / Gust
Trees were uprooted.
High Wind / Gust
at
Morrinsville
Power lines were downed in Morrinsville.
Six trees fell across the highway between Morrinsville and Te Aroha.
Heavy Rain
at
Oparau
Oparau recorded 127 mm (12.7 cm) of rain.
High Wind / Gust
at
Otorohanga
At Otorohanga, sheds were demolished and trees uprooted.
Power and telephone lines were down.
High Wind / Gust
at
Raglan
A boat tore free from moorings at Raglan and was blown onto rocks.
Residents between Te Uku and Raglan were without power several times on the night of the 11th as high winds battered the area.
Multi Hazard
at
Rotorua
Rotorua Airport was closed.
High Wind / Gust
Rotorua experienced gale force winds.
Flooding
Surface flooding occurred.
High Wind / Gust
at
Rotowaro
A 4-year-old girl died in Rotowaro on the 11th when she touched a live wire brought down into a backyard by high winds.
Phone and power wires were broken.
Trees were broken.
Heavy Rain
at
Rukuhia
Rukuhia recorded 48 mm (4.8 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Heavy Rain
at
Te Aroha
Te Aroha recorded 150 mm (15.0 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
High Wind / Gust
A school at Te Aroha lost some roofing.
Power lines were downed in Te Aroha.
Flooding
There was minor flooding and a few trees down, but rivers did not go beyond the 'fresh' level.
Flooding
at
Te Awamutu
Flooding occurred at Te Awamutu.
Sheep were lost.
Trees were blown down.
The winds blew power lines down.
Heavy Rain
at
Te Puru
Puru recorded 166.3 mm (16.6 cm) of rain in 24 hours up to 9 a.m. on th 12th.
Multi Hazard
at
Thames
Cyclone Alison, brought high winds and gusty rain to most of the area on the 11th, causing power faults on the coast and wrecking prized gardens in Thames
No boat damages were reported.
Heavy Rain
Thames recorded 80 mm (8.0 cm) of rain in 24 hours up to 9 a.m. on th 12th.
Flooding
The Kauaeranga River overlapped it banks to cover much of the Parawai floodway.
There were no reports of flooding of any consequence.
High Wind / Gust
The wind brought down trees across lines or blew over power poles. Some areas were still without power on the 12th.
The gale force winds played havoc with gardens throughout the area, while streets and roads were littered with leaves and branches.
Many advertising signs were destroyed and other road signs wre left at odd angles.
Heavy Rain
at
Waitawheta
Waitawheta recorded 138 mm (13.8 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
High Wind / Gust
at
Wharekaho Beach
At Simpsons Beach, a bach was toppled off its foundations and a phone box in the town was blown over.
Multi Hazard
at
Whitianga
Heavy rain accompanied gale force winds and caused minor flooding and dirty brown seas in the harbour and inner part of Mercury Bay.
High Wind / Gust
The township had some minor power problems.
High winds blew a large sign down off the roof of a local garage and a 16 ft boat on its trailer from the garage in which it was berthed on to the road.
Minor damages occurred over a widespread area the most serious reported being the complete demolition of a steel clad garage at Wharekaho Beach.
There was damage to hoardings and T.V. aerials, broken telephone lines, uprooted trees and the capsize of a caravan.
Landslide
Slips on the Tapu Hill Road brought about temporary closures and the road via Tairua was closed for some time.
Bay of Plenty
High Wind / Gust
at
Bay of Plenty
Roofs were torn from houses, trees were toppled and windows were blown in.
High Wind / Gust
at
Waihi Beach
At Waihi Beach, two houses lost their roofs and one bach was blown over.
Power supplies were cut.
Hawke's Bay
Multi Hazard
at
Hawke's Bay
In Central Hawke's Bay, slips, washouts, and flood waters blocked roads. Major damage was done on State Highway 50.
Communications were disrupted, and power cut.
Some schools were closed.
Young apple tree blocks weree hard hit by winds and rain.
Flooding
Severe damage to the timber bridges across Waipawa, Tukituki and Makaretu rivers on State Highway 50 closed the highway for several weeks. Trees and timber debris transported by the floodwaters contributed importantly to the bridge damage.
The replacement cost for the bridges could be $1 million ($8,700,000 2008 dollars).
Farmland was affected.
Multi Hazard
at
Clive
Some damage was done to crops at Clive.
Flooding
The Ngaruroro River rose suddenly and broke through a stopbank into Muddy Creek at Clive on the 12th.
A small amount of land was flooded around School Road. There was surface flooding in paddocks.
Multi Hazard
at
Napier
Napier Airport was closed from 9am to 5pm on th 12th.
Heavy Rain
at
Ruahine Range
Howletts Hut recorded 480 mm (48.0 cm) of rain in 72 hours (Return Period more than 150 years).
Howletts Hut recorded 305 mm (30.5 cm) of rain in 24 hours (Return Period more than 150 years).
Hut Ruin recorded 558 mm (55.8 cm) of rain in 72 hours (Return Period more than 150 years).
Hut Ruin recorded 251 mm (25.1 cm) of rain in 24 hours (Return Period more than 150 years).
Park's Peak Hut recorded 539 mm (53.9cm) of rain in 72 hours (Return Period more than 150 years).
Park's Peak Hut recorded 241 mm (24.1 cm) of rain in 24 hours (Return Period more than 150 years).
Pohatuhaha recorded 523 mm (52.3cm) of rain in 72 hours (Return Period more than 150 years).
Pohatuhaha recorded 234 mm (23.4 cm) of rain in 24 hours (Return Period more than 150 years).
Multi Hazard
New slips occurred widely even on well-forested slopes. Massive deposition resulted in the upper channels of many basins. Trees and timber debris, from erosion of forested areas, transported by the flood waters contributed to severe damage to three major bridges on State Highway 50.
High Wind / Gust
The high gusts recorded at Levin indicated some very strong winds over the Ruahine Ranges.
Flooding
at
Waipukurau
Sewage systems were affected at Waipukurau.
Taranaki
Maritime / Coastal
at
Port Taranaki
Port Taranaki was left in havoc on the 12th as the cyclone whipped up high seas and gale force winds. Two small boats sank in the harbour.
Manawatu-Wanganui
Heavy Rain
at
Dannevirke
Dannevirke recorded 114.6 mm (11.5 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Flooding
Flash flooding occurred in Dannevirke on the 11th.
The water supply was affected.
Bridge approaches were washed away by rivers in flood.
Farms were flooded and littered with debris.
The Kumeti River bed was lifted 4 ft (1.2 m) by stones and rubble brought down by the floods.
Heavy Rain
at
Pohangina Saddle
Pohangina Saddle recorded 612 mm (61.2 cm) of rain in 72 hours (Return Period more than 150 years).
Pohangina Saddle recorded 389 mm (38.9 cm) of rain in 24 hours (Return Period more than 150 years).
Wellington
Multi Hazard
at
Wellington
Some South Wairarapa residents were evacuated.
Crops were flattened.
Minor damage was done in Wellington on the 12th.
Trains were delayed.
Flooding
In South Wairarapa, rivers were high and roads were flooded.
High Wind / Gust
Gale force north-east-easterly winds gusted to 50 knots (93 km/hr).
Flooding
at
Carterton
The Carterton water supply was discoloured.
High Wind / Gust
at
Castlepoint
Castlepoint recorded winds of 40 knots (74 km/hr).
Heavy Rain
at
Kapaitangata Stream
Kaipaitangata recorded 133 mm (13.3 cm) of rain.
Kaipaitangata Valley recorded 139 mm (13.9 cm) of rain.
High Wind / Gust
at
Kelburn
Kelburn recorded winds of up to 56 knots (104 km/hr).
High Wind / Gust
at
Paekakariki
High winds caused an estimated $2000 ($17,000 2008 dollars) of damage to Paekakariki school. A bicycle shed was lifted and thrown through a fence, windows were broken, a doorway stoved in and a goalpost was snapped.
Roofs were blown off and trees uprooted.
High Wind / Gust
at
Upper Hutt
Golden coast and Upper Hutt felt the full force of the winds.
South Island
Multi Hazard
at
South Island
There was no telephone communication between Nelson and Christchurch.
Marlborough
Heavy Rain
at
Marlborough
Torrential rain fell on Marlborough's east coast on the 12th.
Flooding
In Marlborough, rivers flooded, and bridges and approaches were washed out. Several county bridges were torn out.
The state highway and main trunk line were blocked in several places by flood waters and washouts.
Miles of fencing was damaged, and flatlands and pastures were ruined by rock.
Flooding
at
Awatere River
Awatere Valley Road was cut in several places.
Landslide
at
Blenheim
Many slips occurred on roads in Blenheim.
High Wind / Gust
At Blenheim, winds blew steadilyat 40 km/hr, with gusts up to 55 km/hr.
Heavy Rain
at
Cape Campbell
Cape Campbell recorded 1 in (2.5 cm) of rain overnight on the 11th/12th.
High Wind / Gust
At Camp Campbell, winds gusted to 60 km/hr.
Maritime / Coastal
The sea was rough.
High Wind / Gust
at
French Pass
Port Ligar and the French Pass were without power.
Heavy Rain
at
Hillersden
Hillersden recorded 68.2 mm (6.8 cm) of rain in 48 hours.
Multi Hazard
at
Kenepuru Sound
Heavy rain and strong winds were experienced in the Kenepuru area.
High Wind / Gust
at
Picton
Picton experienced gale force winds.
At Picton, winds gusted to 50 knots (93 km/hr).
Heavy Rain
The wind was accompained by heavy rain. Heavy rain ceased late in the day on the 12th.
Picton recorded 50 mm (5.0 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 12th.
Picton recorded 1in (2.5 cm) of rain in the three hours from 9am to 12pm on the 12th.
Pupils of Picton Borough School were sent home due to a leaking roof.
There was a deluge in the hills behind Esson's Valley.
Flooding
Flood waters swirled around buildings in Picton.
Waitohi Stream turned into a river. It was a torrent over 50 ft (15 m) wide in parts, carrying logs and debris.
Sandbags were placed on top of a stopbank at the Broadway bridge.
Alexanders Motor Park was cut off from the road, with swirling water several feet deep across the bridge.
A creek behind Blue Anchor Motor Camp burst its banks.
The town's new water supply from Koromiko was out of action. Water supplies for the town were being taken from a dam on Waitohi Stream.
The single-lane bridge on Broadway was closed.
One dwelling was flooded at Waikaka.
High Wind / Gust
at
Port Ligar
Port Ligar and the French Pass were without power.
Multi Hazard
at
Port Underwood
Port Underwood Road was closed.
High Wind / Gust
at
Rai Valley
Rai Valley was without power.
Flooding
at
Seddon
Seddon was left without a water supply after flood water damaged the works in the Black Birch Stream.
Bridges were destroyed and several bridge approaches were washed out.
Pastures were ruined.
Seddon school was closed.
Heavy Rain
at
Wairau Valley
Wairau Valley township recorded 82 mm (8.2 cm) of rain in 48 hours.
Heavy Rain
at
Wye River
Wye recorded 63 mm (6.3 cm) of rain in 48 hours.
Tasman-Nelson
Multi Hazard
at
Tasman-Nelson
Two schools in the Nelson region were closed - Pakawau School and Tarakohe School.
Telephone blackouts on the 12th isolated thousands of people in the Nelson province. About 670 phones were out of order.
Parts of the Neson district were without power for up to 12 hours, including Ngawhatu Hospital.
Heavy Rain
Heavy rain caused thousands of dollars of damage to many homes.
Flooding
at
Awaroa River
The Awaroa River flooded to the highest known levels.
Flooding
at
Baton River
Baton River was at its highest level for 15 years.
Flooding
at
Golden Bay
Torrential rain caused extensive flooding in Golden Bay.
A Civil Defence Emergency was declared for Golden Bay on the 13th due to flooding in the area and build up of water behind the Cobb dam and the head of the Takaka Valley.
High Wind / Gust
Gale force winds ravaged Golden Bay, leaving a trail of damaged houses, demolished farm sheds and uprooted trees.
High Wind / Gust
at
Golden Downs
At Golden Downs, over 1000 acres (405 ha) of trees were damaged.
More than $1,000,000 ($8,700,000 2008 dollars) worth of damage was caused by Cyclone Alison which swept Golden Downs State Forest on the 11th and 12th. More than five million cubic feet of timber was estimated to have been blown down.
Maritime / Coastal
at
Honeymoon Bay
At Honeymoon Bay, most of the sand was swept away from the beach.
Maritime / Coastal
at
Kaiteriteri
Pleasure craft at Kaiteriteri took a severe pounding on the 12th. Only three of 14 boats moored in the bay remained afloat, and two were broken up on the foreshore.
One man came close to drowning at Kaiteriteri.
Virtually all the sand on the northern end of the beach was swept away.
Maritime / Coastal
at
Marahau
Serious beach erosion occurred at Marahau.
High Wind / Gust
at
Motupipi
A house at Motupipi lost part of its roof.
Heavy Rain
at
Nelson City
Heavy rain in parts of the Nelson district on the 13th, brought some minor flooding.
High Wind / Gust
At Nelson, trees were uprooted, fences and sheds wrecked, and cars damaged by flying debris.
Roofs and roof tiles were lifted, a caravan was smashed and a glasshouse demolished. Four houses had their roofs ripped off by wind. Two of the houses needed to be rebuilt inside after water got onto the ceilings, which then collapsed.
Power cuts were experienced and phones were out. Ngawhatu Hospital was without power.
Orchards were stripped and commercial glasshouse growers suffered. One grower lost two glasshouses of a total of 9000 sq ft (836 m^2) and another five 150 ft by 30 ft (46 m by 9 m) houses.
Flights were cancelled.
1500 acres (607 ha) of native bush was flattened.
Winds gusts were estimated at up to 100 knots (185 km/hr) at the brow of the hill.
At Stoke, winds gusted up to 68 knots (126 km/hr).
Nelson recorded south-easterly gusts of up to 75 kt (139 km/hr).
Measured winds were unusually high at Nelson.
Maritime / Coastal
Small craft were battered.
Multi Hazard
Stoke school was closed.
Thousands of dollars worth of damage was done by water in roofless houses in upper Warehouse Street.
Multi Hazard
at
Pakawau
Pakawau School had no power or water.
Maritime / Coastal
Heavy seas that crashed in the breakwater damaged the road at Pakawau, which was closed to Mangarakau and Puponga traffic.
Serious sea erosion occurred at Pakawau.
Maritime / Coastal
at
Rabbit Island
Serious beach erosion occurred at several points on Rabbit Island.
High Wind / Gust
The wind snapped 100 acres (40.5 ha) of trees throughout the Rabbit Island plantations.
Flooding
at
Riwaka River
The Riwaka River was in flood.
Maritime / Coastal
at
Ruby Bay
Serious sea erosion occurred around the Ruby Bay coastline.
Heavy Rain
at
Takaka
Heavy rain fell in Takaka.
Flooding
A telephone pole was washed out on mud flats, leaving 50 telephone connections out.
Floodwater from the Takaka River blocked the main highway and Bridges Hollow south of the township.
Flooding
at
Takaka River
The Takaka River was at a higher level than in 1972, but not as high as in the 1967 flood.
Flooding
at
Tarakohe
Tarakohe School closed due to the sole teacher being unable to get through the floods.
High Wind / Gust
at
Tata Beach
A house at Tata Beach had its roof lifted off.
Heavy Rain
at
Uruwhenua
Uruwhenua recorded 152 mm (15.2 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 8am on the 13th.
Flooding
The road was blocked at Cottons Creek near Uruwhenua.
West Coast
High Wind / Gust
at
Greymouth
Greymouth received the greatest wind damage in living memory.
The wind tore roofs off buildings and demolished Victoria Park.
High Wind / Gust
at
Westport
Cyclone Alison was positioned 100 miles west of Westport on the 13th.
Westport recorded north-east winds of 22 knots (41 km/hr) on the 13th.
Westport recorded gusts of up to 86.4 mph (139 km/hr) on the 13th.
Canterbury
Heavy Rain
at
Canterbury
Ex-tropical Cyclone Alison caused heavy rain along the Kaikoura Coast
Multi Hazard
State Highway 1 and the South Island Main Trunk Railway were closed by 85 slips and washouts from Kaikoura to Clarence. Severe rail and bridge damage occurred, and some motorists were trapped.
The Kaikoura Coast was declared a disaster area on the 17th.
Flooding
Heavy rain caused number of washouts on a number of secondary highway bridges and culverts.
Heavy Rain
at
Blue Duck Creek
Blue Duck received about 400 mm (40.0 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Heavy Rain
at
Christchurch
Christchurch Airport recorded 101.5 mm (10.2 cm) of rain in 24 hours (Return Period 35 years).
Christchurch Airport recorded 98 mm (9.8 cm) of rain in 12 hours (Return Period about 100 years).
Christchurch Airport recorded 80 mm (8.0 cm) of rain in six hours (Return Period 150 years).
The downpour in Christchurch was a "once in 200 years" occurrence, the Weather Office reported.
Flooding
Some people were injured when a car fell into a road subsidence.
Schools were closed.
Christchurch city was flooded.
Families were marooned and evacuated.
Houses and businesses were flooded in Addington.
Market garden crops were damaged. Acres of surface water covered paddocks and washed out crops.
In 1975, houses were flooded to above-floor level by the Heathcote River.
The worst affected were parts of St Albans, Riccarton, Addington and Linwood.
Flooding
at
Deadman Stream
At Deadmans Creek, the river swelled to a raging torrent, and washed out half of the northern approach to the bridge.
The main trunk link beside the highway was impassable due to undermining.
Heavy Rain
at
Kaikoura
Kaikoura township recorded 212 mm (21.2 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 8am on the 13th.
Kaikoura Met recorded 205 mm (20.5 cm) of rain in 24 hours (Return Period 65 years).
Kaikoura Met recorded 193 mm (19.3 cm) of rain in 12 hours (Return Period more than 200 years).
Kaikoura Met recorded 155 mm (15.5 cm) of rain in six hours (Return Period more than 200 years).
Kaikoura recorded a rainfall intensity of 25 mm/hr (2.5 cm/hr) between 6pm and 10:30pm on the 12th.
Kaikoura had a return period of more than 100 years for rainfalls of six-, 12- and 24-hour durations.
The computed return period for the high intensity rainfalls of 6 and 12 hours accompanying Cyclone Alison exceeded 200 years at the Kaikoura Peninsula meteorological station.
The computed return period for the 24 hour high intensity rainfall accompanying Cyclone Alison exceeded 200 years at the Kaikoura Peninsula meteorological station.
In a 48 hour period from 9 a.m. on 11 March 1975, much of the coastal area surrounding Kaikoura was severely damaged by high intensity rainfalls.
Multi Hazard
The Kaikoura township was isolated. State Highway 1 and the Main Trunk Railway were closed by numerous landslides, flood debris and washouts. The railway was not reopened until 25 March. The Main Trunk line was a shambles between Parikawa and just north of Clarence. In some places railway lines swung above washouts 18 feet (5.5 m) deep and 150 feet (46 m) long.
Kaikoura and the surrounding district were declared a disaster area on the 17 March 1975.
Telephone lines were brought down in several places.
No goods or passenger trains were running.
Extensive regolish mass movements occurred within the steep coastal catchments, and rapid stream aggradation and erosion caused damage to the highway and railway. Highway and railway reconstruction following Cyclone Alison exceeded $1,000,000 ($8,700,000 2008 dollars).
Flooding
Major rivers were swollen by flood waters and Lyell Creek overflowed.
Flood waters entered a number of houses and shops on the 12th. Water entered several shops on the seawards side of the road.
The business area was flooded.
2 ft (60 cm) of water flowed through the West End business area.
The bridge over Lyell Creek broke in two when the centre piers collapsed. A footbridge across Lyell Creek was also damaged.
South of Kaikoura major flood damage occurred to the State Highway 1 in the Hundalee Hills and on the adjacent coastal section to the railway immediately north and south of Haumuri Tunnel. Most roads in the area were damaged by flooding.
Waters swept through houses and the business district. In the township, the main shopping area had two feet (0.61 m) of water flowing down the thoroughfare.
Landslide
Six homes along a hillside at East End were evacuated when slips threatened to push the houses off their foundaions.
On State Highway 1, there were 27 slips in the 15 miles between Clarence and Mangamanu.
Flooding
at
Motunau River
Two fishing boats were wrecked and four others damaged when they broke their moorings at the Motunua River mouth and were swept out to sea.
Multi Hazard
at
Kekerengu
Kekerengu experienced heavy rain and high winds.
A 59-year-old woman died in a car accident on the 12th on the flooded highway south of Kekerengu.
In the same accident, an 8-month-old girl received a broken leg and cuts to her head.
The 100-foot (30-metre) bridge across the Kekerengu River was almost was washed out.
Multi Hazard
at
Waipapa Bay
The railway line was pushed 20 yards (6 m) out of alignment by slips and floodwater.
Otago
Flooding
at
Oamaru
At Oamaru, there was severe flooding in town streets.
References
- Bell, D.H. (1976). High intensity rainstorms and geological hazards: Cyclone Alison, March 1975, Kaikoura, New Zealand. Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment, 13(1), pp 189-200.
- Grant, P.J., Hawkins, N.V. and Christie, W. (1978). Rainfalls and floods of Cyclone Alison March 1975 on the north-eastern Ruahine Range. Water and Soil Division, Ministry of Works and Development for the National Water and Soil Conservation Organisation, Wellington.
- Headline: Wind Hazard.
- Hessell, J.W.D.; Holloway, R.H.F.; Knowles, D.G.; Roberts, J.L. (1984). Scientific, Economic and Social Reviews of Natural Hazards in New Zealand. New Zealand National Commission For UNESCO, Wellington.
- Major weather events in New Zealand, Floods and High Rainfall to 31st May 2006.
- Major weather events in New Zealand, Floods and High Rainfall, Floods to 30 Sep 2005.
- Major weather events in New Zealand, Floods and High Rainfall, Floods to 31st July 2006.
- New Zealand Meteorological Service. (2008). Meteorology of Extreme Rainfalls in New Zealand (Mark Pascoe, Ed.).
- Headline: High Winds And Flooding Cut Power.
- Thames Star, 12 March (Wednesday) 1975.
- Headline: Cyclone 'Alison' Hits' Whitianga.
- Thames Star, 13 March (Thrusday) 1975.
- Headline: Alison deals NZ a big buffet, but damage not widespread.
- The Evening Post, 12 March 1975.
- Headline: Cyclone Alison claims the life of four-year-old girl.
- The Hawkes Bay Herald-Tribune, 12 March 1975.
- Headline: Bridges smashed-bill may be $1m.
- The Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, 13 March 1975.
- Headline: East Clive safe after frantic night.
- The Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, 13 March 1975.
- Headline: Fatal crash on highway flooded by big storm.
- The Hawkes Bay Herald-Tribune, 13 March 1975.
- Headline: Winds damage young blocks of apple trees.
- The Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, 13 March 1975.
- Headline: "Big blow" not so bad in Blenheim……Yet!
- The Marlborough Express, 12 March 1975.
- Headline: Kaikoura mops mess up after inch an hour hits town.
- The Marlborough Express, 13 March 1975.
- Headline: Storm wreaks havoc along East Coast.
- The Marlborough Express, 13 March 1975.
- Headline: Trail of minor damage left by Picton flooding.
- The Marlborough Express, 13 March 1975.
- The Nelson Evening Mail, 13 March 1975. Headline Storm smashes Kaiteriteri fleet.
- Headline: Alison hovers near Westport.
- The Nelson Evening Mail, 13 March 1975.
- Headline: Forest havoc in cyclone's wake.
- The Nelson Evening Mail, 13 March 1975.
- Headline: GB floods follow gale.
- The Nelson Evening Mail, 13 March 1975.
- Headline: GB schools may be closed.
- The Nelson Evening Mail, 13 March 1975.
- Headline: Rain drenches roofless homes.
- The Nelson Evening Mail, 13 March 1975.
- Headline: Severed lines cut off thousands.
- The Nelson Evening Mail, 13 March 1975.
- Headline: Big Blow and Rain In Offing.
- The New Zealand Herald, 10 March (Monday) 1975.
- Headline: Taste of Cyclone Alison, Rain And Wind Lash City.
- The New Zealand Herald, 12 March (Wednesday) 1975.
- Headline: Inch an Hour Fall Floods Kaikoura.
- The New Zealand Herald, 13 March (Thursday) 1975.
- Headline: Wind, Seas Halted Wharf Work.
- The New Zealand Herald, 13 March (Thursday) 1975.
- Headline: Freight Run Cut After Flood Chaos.
- The New Zealand Herald, 14 March (Frioday) 1975.
- Headline: Flooding Causes Costly Damage.
- The New Zealand Herald, 15 March (Saturday) 1975.
- Headline: Heathcote flood damage warning.
- The Press, 29 December 1997.
- The Waikato Times, 12 March 1975. Child dies during cyclone's lashing.
- Tomlinson, A.I. (1975). New Zealand Meteorological Service: Cyclone Alison. Technical Information Circular No. 148.
- Headline: Gale Force Winds Leave Trail of Damage.
- Waihi Gazette, 13 March (Thursday) 1975.
- Headline: $1m Damage Caused By Alison.
- Waikato Times, 14 March (Friday) 1975.