NZ Historic Weather Events Catalogue

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ModerateMarch 2008 New Zealand Storm ( 2008-02-29 )

Heavy rain, flooding, high seas and slips were experienced in various parts of New Zealand. The weather contributed to a number of traffic accidents, one in which two people were killed and one injured in the Manawatu. Two people received minor injureies after a yacht capsized in Northland.

New Zealand

Multi HazardMulti Hazard at New Zealand
Duration:   3  days - From 29th February to 2nd March.
Comments:

CauseA series of lows moved over the country.

Northland

Multi HazardMulti Hazard at Northland
Comments:

CommentNorthland experienced heavy seas, rain and wind on the 3rd and 4th.

Maritime / CoastalMaritime / Coastal
Comments:

ImpactRough seas saw the coastguard called out three times on the 4th.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Cape Reinga
Map Location: -34.427834 172.679516
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicCape Reinga recorded more than 48 mm (4.8 cm) of rain in the 12 hours from midnight on the 1st.

Maritime / CoastalMaritime / Coastal at Cavalli Islands
Map Location: -35.008714 173.954512
Comments:

ImpactA 15-metre ketch off the Cavalli Islands, called the coastguard at 9am after the mast broke and the yacht capsized. However, the yacht righted itself, the mast was cut free and they managed to motor into Whangaroa Harbour without rescuing.

Maritime / CoastalMaritime / Coastal at Doubtless Bay
Map Location: -34.922186 173.449815
Comments:

ImpactA 100-tonne fishing boat called the coastguard around 3:30am, taking on water after the engines failed. The boat drifted onto Fair Way Reef at the south end of Doubtless Bay. A three-metre swell and gale force south-easterly winds prevented the coastguard from reaching them, and heavy rain, winds, a big swell and darkness prevented the helicopter rescuing them. One of the crew rowed a dinghy to another boat and the other two crew were eventually rescued around 7am before the boat sank.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Kaikohe
Map Location: -35.406232 173.80745
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicKaikohe received almost 20 mm (2.0 cm) of rain in the nine hours from 3am on the 1st.

Maritime / CoastalMaritime / Coastal at Urupuka Island
Map Location: -35.208408 174.232048
Comments:

InjuriesTwo people received minor injuries after their yacht capsized in rough seas off Urupukapuka Island on the 3rd. They called the Bay of Islands Coastguard for help at 11:40pm, but the sea was too rough for a rescue at the time. When the coastguard returned around 7am the two people were found on the island, cold and with scratches and bruises from scrambling up rocks.

Manawatu-Wanganui

Multi HazardMulti Hazard at Himatangi
Map Location: -40.39233 175.306775
Comments:

CasualtiesA car carrying four people lost control and hit a power-pole on State Highway 56 near Himatangi at 1:30am on the 2nd. An 18-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman died at the scene.

InjuriesOne other person involved in the crash was taken to Palmerston North Hospital with serious injuries.

Wellington

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Wellington
Comments:

CommentWellington experienced a six-hour downpour on the 1st.

Physical CharacteristicWellington received up to 50 mm (5.0 cm) of rain.

ImpactHeavy rain caused a number of traffic accidents.

Multi HazardMulti Hazard
Comments:

Affected LifelineSurface flooding and slips were reported at a number of locations around the city.

Affected LifelineA nose-to-tail crash on State Highway 58 between Hutt Valley and Porirua caused delays in both directions and contributed to another nose-to-tail accident.

Multi HazardMulti Hazard at Brooklyn
Map Location: -41.308666 174.757001
Comments:

Affected LifelineA cable fault left 200 homes in Brooklyn without power for up to an hour from around 7:15pm on the 1st. The power cut was caused by a car caught in the wet hitting a transformer.

LandslideLandslide at Houghton Bay
Map Location: -41.340647 174.785937
Comments:

Affected LifelineA slip came down on the intersection of Houghton Bay Road and Buckley Road just after 12am on the 1st. It was partially cleared on the 2nd to ensure the area was safe.

FloodingFlooding at Johnsonville
Map Location: -41.222057 174.79585
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicThere was flooding 50 cm deep at the corner of Fraser Ave and Radnall Way in Johnsonville.

Peak Water LevelFlooding up to 1 m deep was reported in Johnsonville.

LandslideLandslide at Ngauranga
Map Location: -41.242025 174.814889
Comments:

Affected LifelineA slip occurred on State Highway 2 just north of the Ngauranga interchange on the 1st. It was cleared on the 2nd.

ImpactThere was a three-car crash on the southbound lane of State Highway 2, between Horokiwi and Ngauranga.

LandslideLandslide at York Bay
Map Location: -41.264297 174.913978
Comments:

Affected LifelineA slip on the night of the 1st blocked both lanes of Marine Drive at York Bay, Eastbourne.

Otago

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Otago
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicSome coastal areas of Otago received up to 70 mm (7.0 cm) of rain on the weekend.

CommentThere was almost 48 hours of rain around Otago.

Affected LifelineRain made roads hazardous and several crashes were attributed to people not driving to the conditions.

CommentRain throughout the South Otago district started on the 29th and eased on the afternoon of the 2nd.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

CommentThe Pomahaka River breached its first flood warning early afternoon on the 2nd.

Physical CharacteristicThe Central Otago hydro lakes were boosted, with levels rising between 200-700 mm.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Dunedin
Map Location: -45.87911 170.502707
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicDunedin recorded 30 mm (3.0 cm) of rain in 24 hours.

Physical CharacteristicDunedin had a rainfall intensity of 4 mm/hr (0.4 cm/hr) around midday on the 1st.

CommentThe rain started falling at midday on the 1st and continued throughout the night, rarely letting up on the 2nd.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

CommentHeavy rain caused flooding in Dunedin.

ImpactThe fire service was called to several properties. Water came up through drains and flooded basement properties, although damage appeared to be limited. Dunedin City Council was inundated with calls from concerned residents.

Multi HazardMulti Hazard
Comments:

ImpactA Dunedin towing company had towed about 17 vehicles since the night of the 29th - most of the crashes caused by either speed, wet conditions or both.

FloodingFlooding at Kaitangata
Map Location: -46.283362 169.855758
Comments:

CommentAt Kaitangata and Milton, there were minor reports of surface flooding, but no significant damage.

FloodingFlooding at Milton
Map Location: -46.123263 169.966084
Comments:

CommentAt Kaitangata and Milton, there were minor reports of surface flooding, but no significant damage.

FloodingFlooding at Port Chalmers
Map Location: -45.819968 170.626226
Comments:

CommentThe Portobello and Port Chalmers areas were especially affected.

FloodingFlooding at Portobello
Map Location: -45.840733 170.652425
Comments:

CommentThe Portobello and Port Chalmers areas were especially affected.

Affected LifelinePortobello hall was flooded and an area of road had to be blocked off.

Multi HazardMulti Hazard at Waitati
Map Location: -45.744659 170.573352
Comments:

ImpactA young man was lucky to be alive after his vehicle flipped five times off State Highway 1, about 3 km south of Waitati, at around 2:30pm on the 2nd.

Southland

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Southland
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicMost of Southland had 50-100 mm (5.0-10.0 cm) of rain at the weekend.

CommentHeavy rain in the headwaters of Southland rivers prompted flood warnings from Environment Southland on the 2nd.

Physical CharacteristicThe Oreti River, Irthing Stream, Makarewa River and Hamilton Burn all posted levels more than 1 m above normal around 5pm on the 2nd.

FloodingFlooding at Clifden
Map Location: -46.036931 167.714612
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicThe Waiau River at Clifden was 2.7 m above normal and rising at a rate of 132 mm/h around 5pm on the 2nd.

FloodingFlooding at Colac Bay
Map Location: -46.359202 167.877231
Comments:

Affected LifelineFlooding occurred near Colac Bay. A car had to be towed out of the water after getting stuck, then it refused to start.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Kaweku
Map Location: -45.936605 168.703732
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicKaweka recorded 73 mm (7.3 cm) of rain at the weekend.

FloodingFlooding at Sunnyside station
Map Location: -45.818471 167.629703
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicThe Waiau River at Sunnyside was 2.49 m above normal but falling at around 5pm on the 2nd.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Te Anau
Map Location: -45.415428 167.699285
Comments:

CommentA prolonged "cloudburst" hit Te Anau on the night of the 1st.

CommentLocal emergency services said it was the most intense downpour in the township in 27 years.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

Affected LifelineStreets were flooded.

ImpactThe Fire Service helped homeowners and businesses deal with the aftermath of the heavy rain on the night of the 1st. Firefighters were first alerted to flooding at around 8:40pm, with five calls for assistance back-to-back.

Property DamageTwo basement garages and three businesses were flooded. Roofs could not cope with the downpour, and combined with storm water, it left waterlogged carpets. At the Fab and Finesse gift shop in the Town Centre, overflowing spoutings caused water to flow down inside of the walls, causing minor damage.

References

Headline: Wellington weather havoc.
www.newstalkzb.co.nz, 2 March 2008.
Headline: Four winched to safety in rough sea rescues.
www.nzherald.co.nz, Source: NZPA, 4 March 2008, 12:50pm.
Headline: Relief as overdue rain falls.
www.odt.co.nz, Source: Otago Daily Times, 3 March 2008.
Headline: Power outage, flooding in Wellington.
www.radionz.co.nz, 1 March 2008.
Headline: Rain expected to bring relief for parched areas.
www.radionz.co.nz, 1 March 2008.
Headline: Heavy rain is expected for southern parts of the South Island on Sunday.
www.radionz.co.nz, 2 March 2008.
Headline: Rain causes floods, crashes, but drought remains.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: The Dominion Post, 3 March 2008.
Headline: Welcome rain knocks drought.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: The Southland Times, 3 March 2008.
Headline: Dunedin drenched by rain.
tv3.co.nz, 2 March 2008.
Headline: Fatal crash in stormy Wellington night.
tvnz.co.nz, Source: Newstalk ZB, 2 March 2008.

ModerateMarch 2008 New Zealand Storm ( 2008-02-29 )

Heavy rain, flooding, high seas and slips were experienced in various parts of New Zealand. The weather contributed to a number of traffic accidents, one in which two people were killed and one injured in the Manawatu. Two people received minor injureies after a yacht capsized in Northland.

New Zealand

Multi HazardMulti Hazard at New Zealand
Duration:   3  days - From 29th February to 2nd March.
Comments:

CauseA series of lows moved over the country.

Northland

Multi HazardMulti Hazard at Northland
Comments:

CommentNorthland experienced heavy seas, rain and wind on the 3rd and 4th.

Maritime / CoastalMaritime / Coastal
Comments:

ImpactRough seas saw the coastguard called out three times on the 4th.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Cape Reinga
Map Location: -34.427834 172.679516
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicCape Reinga recorded more than 48 mm (4.8 cm) of rain in the 12 hours from midnight on the 1st.

Maritime / CoastalMaritime / Coastal at Cavalli Islands
Map Location: -35.008714 173.954512
Comments:

ImpactA 15-metre ketch off the Cavalli Islands, called the coastguard at 9am after the mast broke and the yacht capsized. However, the yacht righted itself, the mast was cut free and they managed to motor into Whangaroa Harbour without rescuing.

Maritime / CoastalMaritime / Coastal at Doubtless Bay
Map Location: -34.922186 173.449815
Comments:

ImpactA 100-tonne fishing boat called the coastguard around 3:30am, taking on water after the engines failed. The boat drifted onto Fair Way Reef at the south end of Doubtless Bay. A three-metre swell and gale force south-easterly winds prevented the coastguard from reaching them, and heavy rain, winds, a big swell and darkness prevented the helicopter rescuing them. One of the crew rowed a dinghy to another boat and the other two crew were eventually rescued around 7am before the boat sank.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Kaikohe
Map Location: -35.406232 173.80745
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicKaikohe received almost 20 mm (2.0 cm) of rain in the nine hours from 3am on the 1st.

Maritime / CoastalMaritime / Coastal at Urupuka Island
Map Location: -35.208408 174.232048
Comments:

InjuriesTwo people received minor injuries after their yacht capsized in rough seas off Urupukapuka Island on the 3rd. They called the Bay of Islands Coastguard for help at 11:40pm, but the sea was too rough for a rescue at the time. When the coastguard returned around 7am the two people were found on the island, cold and with scratches and bruises from scrambling up rocks.

Manawatu-Wanganui

Multi HazardMulti Hazard at Himatangi
Map Location: -40.39233 175.306775
Comments:

CasualtiesA car carrying four people lost control and hit a power-pole on State Highway 56 near Himatangi at 1:30am on the 2nd. An 18-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman died at the scene.

InjuriesOne other person involved in the crash was taken to Palmerston North Hospital with serious injuries.

Wellington

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Wellington
Comments:

CommentWellington experienced a six-hour downpour on the 1st.

Physical CharacteristicWellington received up to 50 mm (5.0 cm) of rain.

ImpactHeavy rain caused a number of traffic accidents.

Multi HazardMulti Hazard
Comments:

Affected LifelineSurface flooding and slips were reported at a number of locations around the city.

Affected LifelineA nose-to-tail crash on State Highway 58 between Hutt Valley and Porirua caused delays in both directions and contributed to another nose-to-tail accident.

Multi HazardMulti Hazard at Brooklyn
Map Location: -41.308666 174.757001
Comments:

Affected LifelineA cable fault left 200 homes in Brooklyn without power for up to an hour from around 7:15pm on the 1st. The power cut was caused by a car caught in the wet hitting a transformer.

LandslideLandslide at Houghton Bay
Map Location: -41.340647 174.785937
Comments:

Affected LifelineA slip came down on the intersection of Houghton Bay Road and Buckley Road just after 12am on the 1st. It was partially cleared on the 2nd to ensure the area was safe.

FloodingFlooding at Johnsonville
Map Location: -41.222057 174.79585
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicThere was flooding 50 cm deep at the corner of Fraser Ave and Radnall Way in Johnsonville.

Peak Water LevelFlooding up to 1 m deep was reported in Johnsonville.

LandslideLandslide at Ngauranga
Map Location: -41.242025 174.814889
Comments:

Affected LifelineA slip occurred on State Highway 2 just north of the Ngauranga interchange on the 1st. It was cleared on the 2nd.

ImpactThere was a three-car crash on the southbound lane of State Highway 2, between Horokiwi and Ngauranga.

LandslideLandslide at York Bay
Map Location: -41.264297 174.913978
Comments:

Affected LifelineA slip on the night of the 1st blocked both lanes of Marine Drive at York Bay, Eastbourne.

Otago

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Otago
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicSome coastal areas of Otago received up to 70 mm (7.0 cm) of rain on the weekend.

CommentThere was almost 48 hours of rain around Otago.

Affected LifelineRain made roads hazardous and several crashes were attributed to people not driving to the conditions.

CommentRain throughout the South Otago district started on the 29th and eased on the afternoon of the 2nd.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

CommentThe Pomahaka River breached its first flood warning early afternoon on the 2nd.

Physical CharacteristicThe Central Otago hydro lakes were boosted, with levels rising between 200-700 mm.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Dunedin
Map Location: -45.87911 170.502707
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicDunedin recorded 30 mm (3.0 cm) of rain in 24 hours.

Physical CharacteristicDunedin had a rainfall intensity of 4 mm/hr (0.4 cm/hr) around midday on the 1st.

CommentThe rain started falling at midday on the 1st and continued throughout the night, rarely letting up on the 2nd.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

CommentHeavy rain caused flooding in Dunedin.

ImpactThe fire service was called to several properties. Water came up through drains and flooded basement properties, although damage appeared to be limited. Dunedin City Council was inundated with calls from concerned residents.

Multi HazardMulti Hazard
Comments:

ImpactA Dunedin towing company had towed about 17 vehicles since the night of the 29th - most of the crashes caused by either speed, wet conditions or both.

FloodingFlooding at Kaitangata
Map Location: -46.283362 169.855758
Comments:

CommentAt Kaitangata and Milton, there were minor reports of surface flooding, but no significant damage.

FloodingFlooding at Milton
Map Location: -46.123263 169.966084
Comments:

CommentAt Kaitangata and Milton, there were minor reports of surface flooding, but no significant damage.

FloodingFlooding at Port Chalmers
Map Location: -45.819968 170.626226
Comments:

CommentThe Portobello and Port Chalmers areas were especially affected.

FloodingFlooding at Portobello
Map Location: -45.840733 170.652425
Comments:

CommentThe Portobello and Port Chalmers areas were especially affected.

Affected LifelinePortobello hall was flooded and an area of road had to be blocked off.

Multi HazardMulti Hazard at Waitati
Map Location: -45.744659 170.573352
Comments:

ImpactA young man was lucky to be alive after his vehicle flipped five times off State Highway 1, about 3 km south of Waitati, at around 2:30pm on the 2nd.

Southland

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Southland
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicMost of Southland had 50-100 mm (5.0-10.0 cm) of rain at the weekend.

CommentHeavy rain in the headwaters of Southland rivers prompted flood warnings from Environment Southland on the 2nd.

Physical CharacteristicThe Oreti River, Irthing Stream, Makarewa River and Hamilton Burn all posted levels more than 1 m above normal around 5pm on the 2nd.

FloodingFlooding at Clifden
Map Location: -46.036931 167.714612
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicThe Waiau River at Clifden was 2.7 m above normal and rising at a rate of 132 mm/h around 5pm on the 2nd.

FloodingFlooding at Colac Bay
Map Location: -46.359202 167.877231
Comments:

Affected LifelineFlooding occurred near Colac Bay. A car had to be towed out of the water after getting stuck, then it refused to start.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Kaweku
Map Location: -45.936605 168.703732
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicKaweka recorded 73 mm (7.3 cm) of rain at the weekend.

FloodingFlooding at Sunnyside station
Map Location: -45.818471 167.629703
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicThe Waiau River at Sunnyside was 2.49 m above normal but falling at around 5pm on the 2nd.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Te Anau
Map Location: -45.415428 167.699285
Comments:

CommentA prolonged "cloudburst" hit Te Anau on the night of the 1st.

CommentLocal emergency services said it was the most intense downpour in the township in 27 years.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

Affected LifelineStreets were flooded.

ImpactThe Fire Service helped homeowners and businesses deal with the aftermath of the heavy rain on the night of the 1st. Firefighters were first alerted to flooding at around 8:40pm, with five calls for assistance back-to-back.

Property DamageTwo basement garages and three businesses were flooded. Roofs could not cope with the downpour, and combined with storm water, it left waterlogged carpets. At the Fab and Finesse gift shop in the Town Centre, overflowing spoutings caused water to flow down inside of the walls, causing minor damage.

References

Headline: Wellington weather havoc.
www.newstalkzb.co.nz, 2 March 2008.
Headline: Four winched to safety in rough sea rescues.
www.nzherald.co.nz, Source: NZPA, 4 March 2008, 12:50pm.
Headline: Relief as overdue rain falls.
www.odt.co.nz, Source: Otago Daily Times, 3 March 2008.
Headline: Power outage, flooding in Wellington.
www.radionz.co.nz, 1 March 2008.
Headline: Rain expected to bring relief for parched areas.
www.radionz.co.nz, 1 March 2008.
Headline: Heavy rain is expected for southern parts of the South Island on Sunday.
www.radionz.co.nz, 2 March 2008.
Headline: Rain causes floods, crashes, but drought remains.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: The Dominion Post, 3 March 2008.
Headline: Welcome rain knocks drought.
www.stuff.co.nz, Source: The Southland Times, 3 March 2008.
Headline: Dunedin drenched by rain.
tv3.co.nz, 2 March 2008.
Headline: Fatal crash in stormy Wellington night.
tvnz.co.nz, Source: Newstalk ZB, 2 March 2008.