NZ Historic Weather Events Catalogue

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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 HazardMulti Hazard
Duration:   5  days - From the 2nd till the 6th of May.
Comments:
FloodingFlooding
Comments:

Affected LifelineThere was water across the Auckland-Whangarei highway on several sections.

Northland

FloodingFlooding at Northland
Comments:

CommentThere was flooding in many districts throughout Northland on the 2nd.

ImpactSeveral houses in low-lying areas of the Whangarei district were invaded.

Affected LifelineSome roads were completely submerged.

FloodingFlooding at Kiripaka
Map Location: -35.641646 174.426634
Comments:

Property DamageConsiderable damage was done in the Kiripaka area. Fences were damaged and farm properties badly scoured.

Affected LifelineRoad surfaces were badly scoured.

FloodingFlooding at Mareretu
Map Location: -36.039206 174.283499
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe Paparoa-Oakleigh main highway was blocked at Mareretu.

FloodingFlooding at Otaika
Map Location: -35.786112 174.306319
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicOtaika Stream crossed the road to a depth of 3 ft (90 cm).

FloodingFlooding at Paparoa
Map Location: -36.100175 174.23636
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe Dargaville-Maungaturoto highway was blocked at Paparoa by flooding.

FloodingFlooding at Rukaka
Map Location: -35.910302 174.453863
Comments:

Affected LifelineSevere flooding occurred on the Whangarei-Oakleigh-Waipu road at Ruakaka.

CommentThe Ruakaka River overflowed its banks.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Ruatangata West
Map Location: -35.66112 174.17358
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicRuatangata recorded 5.14 in (13.1 cm) of rain in 24 hours.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Whangarei
Map Location: -35.719519 174.298397
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicWhangarei recorded 8.52 in (21.6 cm) of rain in 24 hours.

CommentThis was the second heaviest rainfall since records were commenced in 1911.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

ImpactSeveral houses on Walton Street were invaded by water.

Peak Water LevelAs much as 18 in (46 cm) of water was flowing through homes.

DamageLittle damage was done.

EvacueesA number of occupants of houses were evacuated in cars and taxis.

Property DamageIn Whau Valley, willow logs in the creek caused considerable damage. Two private bridges were smashed and several fences were carried away.

Waikato

Multi HazardMulti Hazard at Firth of Thames
Map Location: -37.132318 175.417388
Comments:

CommentA heavy storm with heavy rain swept across the Gulf on the 4th.

Maritime / CoastalMaritime / Coastal
Comments:

CommentExtremely high tides were experienced.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Hauraki Plains
Map Location: -37.337475 175.454918
Comments:

CommentVery heavy rain fell continuously from early on the morning of the 4th.

High Wind GustsHigh Wind / Gust
Comments:

CommentThe wind reached gale force.

Maritime / CoastalMaritime / Coastal
Comments:

CommentThe 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.

ImpactExtensive 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.

AreaAbout 35,000 ha (350 km^2) was flooded.

Physical CharacteristicAbout 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).

CommentThe estimated return period was 100 years.

Physical CharacteristicThe total elevation, including tide, storm-surge, and wave set-up was about 3 m.

Stock DamageStock losses were comparatively light.

Property DamageFarm residences were invaded by the flood and considerable damage resulted.

Property DamageProperty damage ran into thousand of pounds.

DamageThe cost of repairing the stopbank would be a large sum.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Paeroa
Map Location: -37.373937 175.671378
Comments:

CommentHeavy 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.

Physical CharacteristicPaeroa received approximately 6 in (15.2 cm) of rain in the 36 hours preceding sunset on the 4th.

Physical CharacteristicPaeroa recorded 0.2 in (0.5 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 3rd.

Physical CharacteristicPaeroa recorded 2.54 in (6.5 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 4th.

Peak RainfallPaeroa recorded 4.28 in (10.9 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 5th.

Physical CharacteristicPaeroa recorded 6.84 in (17.4 cm) of rain in the three days from the 2nd to the 5th.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

ImpactPaeroa 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.

CommentFrom about 12pm on the 4th, water began to accumulate in the town.

Affected LifelineStreets were flooded and traffic was blocked.

ImpactAcres of land was inundated.

CommentDuring the night of the 4th, the accumulation of water rapidly disappeared from all but the hollows.

Physical CharacteristicThe Ohinemuri River rose rapidly to within about 4 ft (1.2 m) of the stopbank, but subsided quickly on the 5th.

CommentResidents 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.

Affected LifelineThe carriageway on Thames and Belmont Roads was submerged to a depth of several inches.

Peak Water LevelCommercial Hotel was isolated by water, which reached a maximum depth of 18 in (46 cm).

Maritime / CoastalMaritime / Coastal at Pipiroa
Map Location: -37.217417 175.482303
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicThere was water up to 3 ft (90 cm) in one home.

Affected LifelineThe road between Pipiroa wharf and the store was washed away.

Maritime / CoastalMaritime / Coastal at Tararu
Map Location: -37.111701 175.512923
Comments:

Physical Characteristic

Physical Characteristic

Physical Characteristic

Physical Characteristic

Maritime / CoastalMaritime / Coastal at Turua
Map Location: -37.240839 175.562057
Comments:

CommentAt about 11pm the tide backed up and overflowed the banks of Waihou River for a considerable distance on each side of the Turua township.

ImpactPractically 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.

Physical CharacteristicAll houses along Waihou Street facing the river were inundated to a depth of 6-18 in (15-46 cm).

Property DamageThe dairy factory was flooded. All cheese vats were shifted and cheeses floated round in the water.

Gisborne

FloodingFlooding at Gisborne
Comments:

CommentAll rivers and creeks were in flood on the 4th. Smaller streams in Poverty Bay flooded and Greys Creek flooded.

CommentThe Waipaoa River was swollen by heavy rain and overflowed at several points, including all land near the mouth of the river.

Affected LifelineSeveral bridges were damaged. Bridges were damaged in the Uawa and Waiapu Counties.

Damage CostThe 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).

EvacueesSettlers were forced to evacuate their homes at many places on the East Coast.

Multi HazardMulti Hazard
Comments:

Affected LifelineRoads were blocked by slips and washouts. Highway communication was severed between Gisborne and the East Coast, Gisborne and Wairoa, and Gisborne and Matawai.

Property DamageProperty was damaged throughout Gisborne and the East Coast.

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

Physical CharacteristicGisborne Airfield recorded 2.98 in (7.6 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 5th.

Physical CharacteristicGisborne Harbour Signal Station recorded 3.63 in (9.2 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 5th.

Physical CharacteristicGisborne Harbour Signal Station recorded 2.04 in (5.2 cm) of rain in 6.5 hours.

FloodingFlooding at Mangaheia homestead
Map Location: -38.393098 178.222255
Comments:

Affected LifelineMangaheia homestead was isolated by surface water.

FloodingFlooding at Mangatuna
Map Location: -38.30045 178.26526
Comments:

ImpactAt Mangatuna, the river came into several houses.

FloodingFlooding at Patutahi
Map Location: -38.62513 177.890917
Comments:

DamageA tremendous amount of erosion occurred at Craill's flats.

Multi HazardMulti Hazard at Ruatoria
Map Location: -37.890508 178.310264
Comments:

Affected LifelineRuatoria was cut off from communication. The telephone lines north were affected.

FloodingFlooding at Takapau
Map Location: -38.356625 178.190928
Comments:

Affected LifelineMain bridge in the Takapu valley was damaged.

FloodingFlooding at Te Karaka
Map Location: -38.467237 177.870255
Comments:

Peak River LevelThe Waipaoa River at Te Karaka reached a peak level of 18 ft (5.49 m) above normal.

FloodingFlooding at Tokomaru Bay
Map Location: -38.12831 178.319381
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe main highway bridge in Tokomaru Bay suffered severe damage when one abutment collapsed and caused diruption to road communication in the Waiapu County.

ImpactThe school site was surrounded by water.

FloodingFlooding at Waiomatatini
Map Location: -37.811983 178.397155
Comments:

Property DamageThe Waiomatatini settlement received a considerable amount of material damage.

EvacueesThe Maori settlement commenced to evacuate their homes.

FloodingFlooding at The Willows
Map Location: -38.507457 177.889671
Comments:

ImpactThe 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 HazardMulti Hazard
Duration:   5  days - From the 2nd till the 6th of May.
Comments:
FloodingFlooding
Comments:

Affected LifelineThere was water across the Auckland-Whangarei highway on several sections.

Northland

FloodingFlooding at Northland
Comments:

CommentThere was flooding in many districts throughout Northland on the 2nd.

ImpactSeveral houses in low-lying areas of the Whangarei district were invaded.

Affected LifelineSome roads were completely submerged.

FloodingFlooding at Kiripaka
Map Location: -35.641646 174.426634
Comments:

Property DamageConsiderable damage was done in the Kiripaka area. Fences were damaged and farm properties badly scoured.

Affected LifelineRoad surfaces were badly scoured.

FloodingFlooding at Mareretu
Map Location: -36.039206 174.283499
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe Paparoa-Oakleigh main highway was blocked at Mareretu.

FloodingFlooding at Otaika
Map Location: -35.786112 174.306319
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicOtaika Stream crossed the road to a depth of 3 ft (90 cm).

FloodingFlooding at Paparoa
Map Location: -36.100175 174.23636
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe Dargaville-Maungaturoto highway was blocked at Paparoa by flooding.

FloodingFlooding at Rukaka
Map Location: -35.910302 174.453863
Comments:

Affected LifelineSevere flooding occurred on the Whangarei-Oakleigh-Waipu road at Ruakaka.

CommentThe Ruakaka River overflowed its banks.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Ruatangata West
Map Location: -35.66112 174.17358
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicRuatangata recorded 5.14 in (13.1 cm) of rain in 24 hours.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Whangarei
Map Location: -35.719519 174.298397
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicWhangarei recorded 8.52 in (21.6 cm) of rain in 24 hours.

CommentThis was the second heaviest rainfall since records were commenced in 1911.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

ImpactSeveral houses on Walton Street were invaded by water.

Peak Water LevelAs much as 18 in (46 cm) of water was flowing through homes.

DamageLittle damage was done.

EvacueesA number of occupants of houses were evacuated in cars and taxis.

Property DamageIn Whau Valley, willow logs in the creek caused considerable damage. Two private bridges were smashed and several fences were carried away.

Waikato

Multi HazardMulti Hazard at Firth of Thames
Map Location: -37.132318 175.417388
Comments:

CommentA heavy storm with heavy rain swept across the Gulf on the 4th.

Maritime / CoastalMaritime / Coastal
Comments:

CommentExtremely high tides were experienced.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Hauraki Plains
Map Location: -37.337475 175.454918
Comments:

CommentVery heavy rain fell continuously from early on the morning of the 4th.

High Wind GustsHigh Wind / Gust
Comments:

CommentThe wind reached gale force.

Maritime / CoastalMaritime / Coastal
Comments:

CommentThe 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.

ImpactExtensive 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.

AreaAbout 35,000 ha (350 km^2) was flooded.

Physical CharacteristicAbout 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).

CommentThe estimated return period was 100 years.

Physical CharacteristicThe total elevation, including tide, storm-surge, and wave set-up was about 3 m.

Stock DamageStock losses were comparatively light.

Property DamageFarm residences were invaded by the flood and considerable damage resulted.

Property DamageProperty damage ran into thousand of pounds.

DamageThe cost of repairing the stopbank would be a large sum.

Heavy RainHeavy Rain at Paeroa
Map Location: -37.373937 175.671378
Comments:

CommentHeavy 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.

Physical CharacteristicPaeroa received approximately 6 in (15.2 cm) of rain in the 36 hours preceding sunset on the 4th.

Physical CharacteristicPaeroa recorded 0.2 in (0.5 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 3rd.

Physical CharacteristicPaeroa recorded 2.54 in (6.5 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 4th.

Peak RainfallPaeroa recorded 4.28 in (10.9 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 5th.

Physical CharacteristicPaeroa recorded 6.84 in (17.4 cm) of rain in the three days from the 2nd to the 5th.

FloodingFlooding
Comments:

ImpactPaeroa 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.

CommentFrom about 12pm on the 4th, water began to accumulate in the town.

Affected LifelineStreets were flooded and traffic was blocked.

ImpactAcres of land was inundated.

CommentDuring the night of the 4th, the accumulation of water rapidly disappeared from all but the hollows.

Physical CharacteristicThe Ohinemuri River rose rapidly to within about 4 ft (1.2 m) of the stopbank, but subsided quickly on the 5th.

CommentResidents 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.

Affected LifelineThe carriageway on Thames and Belmont Roads was submerged to a depth of several inches.

Peak Water LevelCommercial Hotel was isolated by water, which reached a maximum depth of 18 in (46 cm).

Maritime / CoastalMaritime / Coastal at Pipiroa
Map Location: -37.217417 175.482303
Comments:

Physical CharacteristicThere was water up to 3 ft (90 cm) in one home.

Affected LifelineThe road between Pipiroa wharf and the store was washed away.

Maritime / CoastalMaritime / Coastal at Tararu
Map Location: -37.111701 175.512923
Comments:

Physical Characteristic

Physical Characteristic

Physical Characteristic

Physical Characteristic

Maritime / CoastalMaritime / Coastal at Turua
Map Location: -37.240839 175.562057
Comments:

CommentAt about 11pm the tide backed up and overflowed the banks of Waihou River for a considerable distance on each side of the Turua township.

ImpactPractically 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.

Physical CharacteristicAll houses along Waihou Street facing the river were inundated to a depth of 6-18 in (15-46 cm).

Property DamageThe dairy factory was flooded. All cheese vats were shifted and cheeses floated round in the water.

Gisborne

FloodingFlooding at Gisborne
Comments:

CommentAll rivers and creeks were in flood on the 4th. Smaller streams in Poverty Bay flooded and Greys Creek flooded.

CommentThe Waipaoa River was swollen by heavy rain and overflowed at several points, including all land near the mouth of the river.

Affected LifelineSeveral bridges were damaged. Bridges were damaged in the Uawa and Waiapu Counties.

Damage CostThe 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).

EvacueesSettlers were forced to evacuate their homes at many places on the East Coast.

Multi HazardMulti Hazard
Comments:

Affected LifelineRoads were blocked by slips and washouts. Highway communication was severed between Gisborne and the East Coast, Gisborne and Wairoa, and Gisborne and Matawai.

Property DamageProperty was damaged throughout Gisborne and the East Coast.

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

Physical CharacteristicGisborne Airfield recorded 2.98 in (7.6 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 5th.

Physical CharacteristicGisborne Harbour Signal Station recorded 3.63 in (9.2 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on the 5th.

Physical CharacteristicGisborne Harbour Signal Station recorded 2.04 in (5.2 cm) of rain in 6.5 hours.

FloodingFlooding at Mangaheia homestead
Map Location: -38.393098 178.222255
Comments:

Affected LifelineMangaheia homestead was isolated by surface water.

FloodingFlooding at Mangatuna
Map Location: -38.30045 178.26526
Comments:

ImpactAt Mangatuna, the river came into several houses.

FloodingFlooding at Patutahi
Map Location: -38.62513 177.890917
Comments:

DamageA tremendous amount of erosion occurred at Craill's flats.

Multi HazardMulti Hazard at Ruatoria
Map Location: -37.890508 178.310264
Comments:

Affected LifelineRuatoria was cut off from communication. The telephone lines north were affected.

FloodingFlooding at Takapau
Map Location: -38.356625 178.190928
Comments:

Affected LifelineMain bridge in the Takapu valley was damaged.

FloodingFlooding at Te Karaka
Map Location: -38.467237 177.870255
Comments:

Peak River LevelThe Waipaoa River at Te Karaka reached a peak level of 18 ft (5.49 m) above normal.

FloodingFlooding at Tokomaru Bay
Map Location: -38.12831 178.319381
Comments:

Affected LifelineThe main highway bridge in Tokomaru Bay suffered severe damage when one abutment collapsed and caused diruption to road communication in the Waiapu County.

ImpactThe school site was surrounded by water.

FloodingFlooding at Waiomatatini
Map Location: -37.811983 178.397155
Comments:

Property DamageThe Waiomatatini settlement received a considerable amount of material damage.

EvacueesThe Maori settlement commenced to evacuate their homes.

FloodingFlooding at The Willows
Map Location: -38.507457 177.889671
Comments:

ImpactThe 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.