NZ Historic Weather Events Catalogue
May 1938 North Island Flooding and Storm Surge ( 1938-05-02 )
Heavy rain and flooding occurred in eastern parts of the North Island. A storm surge flooded the coastal Hauraki Plains in the Waikato.
North Island
Multi Hazard
Duration: 5 days - From the 2nd till the 6th of May.
Flooding
There was water across the Auckland-Whangarei highway on several sections.
Northland
Flooding
at
Northland
There was flooding in many districts throughout Northland on the 2nd.
Several houses in low-lying areas of the Whangarei district were invaded.
Some roads were completely submerged.
Flooding
at
Kiripaka
Considerable damage was done in the Kiripaka area. Fences were damaged and farm properties badly scoured.
Road surfaces were badly scoured.
Flooding
at
Mareretu
The Paparoa-Oakleigh main highway was blocked at Mareretu.
Flooding
at
Otaika
Otaika Stream crossed the road to a depth of 3 ft (90 cm).
Flooding
at
Paparoa
The Dargaville-Maungaturoto highway was blocked at Paparoa by flooding.
Flooding
at
Rukaka
Severe flooding occurred on the Whangarei-Oakleigh-Waipu road at Ruakaka.
The Ruakaka River overflowed its banks.
Heavy Rain
at
Ruatangata West
Ruatangata recorded 5.14 in (13.1 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Heavy Rain
at
Whangarei
Whangarei recorded 8.52 in (21.6 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
This was the second heaviest rainfall since records were commenced in 1911.
Flooding
Several houses on Walton Street were invaded by water.
As much as 18 in (46 cm) of water was flowing through homes.
Little damage was done.
A number of occupants of houses were evacuated in cars and taxis.
In Whau Valley, willow logs in the creek caused considerable damage. Two private bridges were smashed and several fences were carried away.
Waikato
Multi Hazard
at
Firth of Thames
A heavy storm with heavy rain swept across the Gulf on the 4th.
Maritime / Coastal
Extremely high tides were experienced.
Heavy Rain
at
Hauraki Plains
Very heavy rain fell continuously from early on the morning of the 4th.
High Wind / Gust
The wind reached gale force.
Maritime / Coastal
The combination of a north-east gale and the exceedingly high tide caused the sea to burst through the retaining stopbank along the north boundary of the Hauraki Plains, from Waitakaruru to Kopu, on the night of the 4th.
Extensive land was flooded. The whole area north of the highway running from Waitakaruru, through Pipiroa and Kopuarahi, to the Hauraki bridge at Orongo was inundated. The water extended inland to Ngatea, 7.5 km from the coast. The whole area seaward of the main road resembled a lake on the morning of the 6th.
About 35,000 ha (350 km^2) was flooded.
About 4000 acres (16.19 km^2) of farmland was covered with water up to a depth of between 18 in-4 ft (46 cm-1.2 m).
The estimated return period was 100 years.
The total elevation, including tide, storm-surge, and wave set-up was about 3 m.
Stock losses were comparatively light.
Farm residences were invaded by the flood and considerable damage resulted.
Property damage ran into thousand of pounds.
The cost of repairing the stopbank would be a large sum.
Heavy Rain
at
Paeroa
Heavy rain set in at paeroa on the afternoon of the 3rd. Most of the rain fell on the night of the 3rd and morning of the 4th.
Paeroa received approximately 6 in (15.2 cm) of rain in the 36 hours preceding sunset on the 4th.
Paeroa recorded 0.2 in (0.5 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 3rd.
Paeroa recorded 2.54 in (6.5 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 4th.
Paeroa recorded 4.28 in (10.9 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 5th.
Paeroa recorded 6.84 in (17.4 cm) of rain in the three days from the 2nd to the 5th.
Flooding
Paeroa was flooded by stormwater, which poured from the hills and filled the low-lying parts of town and many of the medium levels. Two portions of town suffered severely - the junction of Thames Road with Belmont Road and the area in the vicinity of Paeroa Hotel.
From about 12pm on the 4th, water began to accumulate in the town.
Streets were flooded and traffic was blocked.
Acres of land was inundated.
During the night of the 4th, the accumulation of water rapidly disappeared from all but the hollows.
The Ohinemuri River rose rapidly to within about 4 ft (1.2 m) of the stopbank, but subsided quickly on the 5th.
Residents stated that it was many years since the town had suffered to the extent it did on the 4th. Even the flood of Febraury 1936 did not produce the same effect of flooding in business and residential areas as this.
The carriageway on Thames and Belmont Roads was submerged to a depth of several inches.
Commercial Hotel was isolated by water, which reached a maximum depth of 18 in (46 cm).
Maritime / Coastal
at
Pipiroa
There was water up to 3 ft (90 cm) in one home.
The road between Pipiroa wharf and the store was washed away.
Maritime / Coastal
at
Tararu
Maritime / Coastal
at
Turua
At about 11pm the tide backed up and overflowed the banks of Waihou River for a considerable distance on each side of the Turua township.
Practically every house on the river side of the main road was invaded by water, which did not subside until morning. On Huirau Road water entered every home but one.
All houses along Waihou Street facing the river were inundated to a depth of 6-18 in (15-46 cm).
The dairy factory was flooded. All cheese vats were shifted and cheeses floated round in the water.
Gisborne
Flooding
at
Gisborne
All rivers and creeks were in flood on the 4th. Smaller streams in Poverty Bay flooded and Greys Creek flooded.
The Waipaoa River was swollen by heavy rain and overflowed at several points, including all land near the mouth of the river.
Several bridges were damaged. Bridges were damaged in the Uawa and Waiapu Counties.
The total damage to Gisborne district roads for these two floods was £65,054 ($5,804,700 2008 dollars) - state highways were £29,570 ($2,638,500 2008 dollars), county roads £27,340 ($2,439,500 2008 dollars) and main highways £8,144 ($726,700 2008 dollars).
Settlers were forced to evacuate their homes at many places on the East Coast.
Multi Hazard
Roads were blocked by slips and washouts. Highway communication was severed between Gisborne and the East Coast, Gisborne and Wairoa, and Gisborne and Matawai.
Property was damaged throughout Gisborne and the East Coast.
Heavy Rain
at
Gisborne city
Gisborne Airfield recorded 2.98 in (7.6 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 5th.
Gisborne Harbour Signal Station recorded 3.63 in (9.2 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 5th.
Gisborne Harbour Signal Station recorded 2.04 in (5.2 cm) of rain in 6.5 hours.
Flooding
at
Mangaheia homestead
Mangaheia homestead was isolated by surface water.
Flooding
at
Mangatuna
At Mangatuna, the river came into several houses.
Flooding
at
Patutahi
A tremendous amount of erosion occurred at Craill's flats.
Multi Hazard
at
Ruatoria
Ruatoria was cut off from communication. The telephone lines north were affected.
Flooding
at
Takapau
Main bridge in the Takapu valley was damaged.
Flooding
at
Te Karaka
The Waipaoa River at Te Karaka reached a peak level of 18 ft (5.49 m) above normal.
Flooding
at
Tokomaru Bay
The main highway bridge in Tokomaru Bay suffered severe damage when one abutment collapsed and caused diruption to road communication in the Waiapu County.
The school site was surrounded by water.
Flooding
at
Waiomatatini
The Waiomatatini settlement received a considerable amount of material damage.
The Maori settlement commenced to evacuate their homes.
Flooding
at
The Willows
The Willows settlement was flooded.
References
- Bell, R.G.; Hill, A.F. (1997). Tidal and meteorlogical conditions for previous major sea storms at Thames.
- Cowie, C.A.; Attwood, A.K. (1957). Floods in New Zealand 1920-1953. The Soil Conservation Control Council, Wellington, New Zealand.
- Headline: Paeroa flooded: Stormwater damage.
- Hauraki Plains Gazette, 6 May 1938.
- Headline: Plight of Turua: Waihou overflows. (Bottom half of articles missing)
- Hauraki Plains Gazette, 6 May 1938.
- Headline: Sea bursts stopbanks: Plains invaded.
- Hauraki Plains Gazette, 6 May 1938.
- The Northern Advocate, 3 May 1938. Second heaviest downpour since 1911 - Two floods in 12 hours.
- Headline: District roads, Renewed difficulties.
- The Poverty Bay Herald, 4 May 1938.
- Headline: Main highways suffer, Uawa County loss.
- The Poverty Bay Herald, 5 May 1938.
- Headline: New flood crisis, Waipaoa nearly over.
- The Poverty Bay Herald, 5 May 1938.
- Tye, R.E. (1974). Hauraki Plains story. Thames Valley News, 1974.
- Unknown. (2004). The Hauraki Gulf: State of the Environment Report 2004. Chapter 10: Coastal Hazards of the Gulf.
May 1938 North Island Flooding and Storm Surge ( 1938-05-02 )
Heavy rain and flooding occurred in eastern parts of the North Island. A storm surge flooded the coastal Hauraki Plains in the Waikato.
North Island
Multi Hazard
Duration: 5 days - From the 2nd till the 6th of May.
Flooding
There was water across the Auckland-Whangarei highway on several sections.
Northland
Flooding
at
Northland
There was flooding in many districts throughout Northland on the 2nd.
Several houses in low-lying areas of the Whangarei district were invaded.
Some roads were completely submerged.
Flooding
at
Kiripaka
Considerable damage was done in the Kiripaka area. Fences were damaged and farm properties badly scoured.
Road surfaces were badly scoured.
Flooding
at
Mareretu
The Paparoa-Oakleigh main highway was blocked at Mareretu.
Flooding
at
Otaika
Otaika Stream crossed the road to a depth of 3 ft (90 cm).
Flooding
at
Paparoa
The Dargaville-Maungaturoto highway was blocked at Paparoa by flooding.
Flooding
at
Rukaka
Severe flooding occurred on the Whangarei-Oakleigh-Waipu road at Ruakaka.
The Ruakaka River overflowed its banks.
Heavy Rain
at
Ruatangata West
Ruatangata recorded 5.14 in (13.1 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
Heavy Rain
at
Whangarei
Whangarei recorded 8.52 in (21.6 cm) of rain in 24 hours.
This was the second heaviest rainfall since records were commenced in 1911.
Flooding
Several houses on Walton Street were invaded by water.
As much as 18 in (46 cm) of water was flowing through homes.
Little damage was done.
A number of occupants of houses were evacuated in cars and taxis.
In Whau Valley, willow logs in the creek caused considerable damage. Two private bridges were smashed and several fences were carried away.
Waikato
Multi Hazard
at
Firth of Thames
A heavy storm with heavy rain swept across the Gulf on the 4th.
Maritime / Coastal
Extremely high tides were experienced.
Heavy Rain
at
Hauraki Plains
Very heavy rain fell continuously from early on the morning of the 4th.
High Wind / Gust
The wind reached gale force.
Maritime / Coastal
The combination of a north-east gale and the exceedingly high tide caused the sea to burst through the retaining stopbank along the north boundary of the Hauraki Plains, from Waitakaruru to Kopu, on the night of the 4th.
Extensive land was flooded. The whole area north of the highway running from Waitakaruru, through Pipiroa and Kopuarahi, to the Hauraki bridge at Orongo was inundated. The water extended inland to Ngatea, 7.5 km from the coast. The whole area seaward of the main road resembled a lake on the morning of the 6th.
About 35,000 ha (350 km^2) was flooded.
About 4000 acres (16.19 km^2) of farmland was covered with water up to a depth of between 18 in-4 ft (46 cm-1.2 m).
The estimated return period was 100 years.
The total elevation, including tide, storm-surge, and wave set-up was about 3 m.
Stock losses were comparatively light.
Farm residences were invaded by the flood and considerable damage resulted.
Property damage ran into thousand of pounds.
The cost of repairing the stopbank would be a large sum.
Heavy Rain
at
Paeroa
Heavy rain set in at paeroa on the afternoon of the 3rd. Most of the rain fell on the night of the 3rd and morning of the 4th.
Paeroa received approximately 6 in (15.2 cm) of rain in the 36 hours preceding sunset on the 4th.
Paeroa recorded 0.2 in (0.5 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 3rd.
Paeroa recorded 2.54 in (6.5 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 4th.
Paeroa recorded 4.28 in (10.9 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 5th.
Paeroa recorded 6.84 in (17.4 cm) of rain in the three days from the 2nd to the 5th.
Flooding
Paeroa was flooded by stormwater, which poured from the hills and filled the low-lying parts of town and many of the medium levels. Two portions of town suffered severely - the junction of Thames Road with Belmont Road and the area in the vicinity of Paeroa Hotel.
From about 12pm on the 4th, water began to accumulate in the town.
Streets were flooded and traffic was blocked.
Acres of land was inundated.
During the night of the 4th, the accumulation of water rapidly disappeared from all but the hollows.
The Ohinemuri River rose rapidly to within about 4 ft (1.2 m) of the stopbank, but subsided quickly on the 5th.
Residents stated that it was many years since the town had suffered to the extent it did on the 4th. Even the flood of Febraury 1936 did not produce the same effect of flooding in business and residential areas as this.
The carriageway on Thames and Belmont Roads was submerged to a depth of several inches.
Commercial Hotel was isolated by water, which reached a maximum depth of 18 in (46 cm).
Maritime / Coastal
at
Pipiroa
There was water up to 3 ft (90 cm) in one home.
The road between Pipiroa wharf and the store was washed away.
Maritime / Coastal
at
Tararu
Maritime / Coastal
at
Turua
At about 11pm the tide backed up and overflowed the banks of Waihou River for a considerable distance on each side of the Turua township.
Practically every house on the river side of the main road was invaded by water, which did not subside until morning. On Huirau Road water entered every home but one.
All houses along Waihou Street facing the river were inundated to a depth of 6-18 in (15-46 cm).
The dairy factory was flooded. All cheese vats were shifted and cheeses floated round in the water.
Gisborne
Flooding
at
Gisborne
All rivers and creeks were in flood on the 4th. Smaller streams in Poverty Bay flooded and Greys Creek flooded.
The Waipaoa River was swollen by heavy rain and overflowed at several points, including all land near the mouth of the river.
Several bridges were damaged. Bridges were damaged in the Uawa and Waiapu Counties.
The total damage to Gisborne district roads for these two floods was £65,054 ($5,804,700 2008 dollars) - state highways were £29,570 ($2,638,500 2008 dollars), county roads £27,340 ($2,439,500 2008 dollars) and main highways £8,144 ($726,700 2008 dollars).
Settlers were forced to evacuate their homes at many places on the East Coast.
Multi Hazard
Roads were blocked by slips and washouts. Highway communication was severed between Gisborne and the East Coast, Gisborne and Wairoa, and Gisborne and Matawai.
Property was damaged throughout Gisborne and the East Coast.
Heavy Rain
at
Gisborne city
Gisborne Airfield recorded 2.98 in (7.6 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 5th.
Gisborne Harbour Signal Station recorded 3.63 in (9.2 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 5th.
Gisborne Harbour Signal Station recorded 2.04 in (5.2 cm) of rain in 6.5 hours.
Flooding
at
Mangaheia homestead
Mangaheia homestead was isolated by surface water.
Flooding
at
Mangatuna
At Mangatuna, the river came into several houses.
Flooding
at
Patutahi
A tremendous amount of erosion occurred at Craill's flats.
Multi Hazard
at
Ruatoria
Ruatoria was cut off from communication. The telephone lines north were affected.
Flooding
at
Takapau
Main bridge in the Takapu valley was damaged.
Flooding
at
Te Karaka
The Waipaoa River at Te Karaka reached a peak level of 18 ft (5.49 m) above normal.
Flooding
at
Tokomaru Bay
The main highway bridge in Tokomaru Bay suffered severe damage when one abutment collapsed and caused diruption to road communication in the Waiapu County.
The school site was surrounded by water.
Flooding
at
Waiomatatini
The Waiomatatini settlement received a considerable amount of material damage.
The Maori settlement commenced to evacuate their homes.
Flooding
at
The Willows
The Willows settlement was flooded.
References
- Bell, R.G.; Hill, A.F. (1997). Tidal and meteorlogical conditions for previous major sea storms at Thames.
- Cowie, C.A.; Attwood, A.K. (1957). Floods in New Zealand 1920-1953. The Soil Conservation Control Council, Wellington, New Zealand.
- Headline: Paeroa flooded: Stormwater damage.
- Hauraki Plains Gazette, 6 May 1938.
- Headline: Plight of Turua: Waihou overflows. (Bottom half of articles missing)
- Hauraki Plains Gazette, 6 May 1938.
- Headline: Sea bursts stopbanks: Plains invaded.
- Hauraki Plains Gazette, 6 May 1938.
- The Northern Advocate, 3 May 1938. Second heaviest downpour since 1911 - Two floods in 12 hours.
- Headline: District roads, Renewed difficulties.
- The Poverty Bay Herald, 4 May 1938.
- Headline: Main highways suffer, Uawa County loss.
- The Poverty Bay Herald, 5 May 1938.
- Headline: New flood crisis, Waipaoa nearly over.
- The Poverty Bay Herald, 5 May 1938.
- Tye, R.E. (1974). Hauraki Plains story. Thames Valley News, 1974.
- Unknown. (2004). The Hauraki Gulf: State of the Environment Report 2004. Chapter 10: Coastal Hazards of the Gulf.