NZ Historic Weather Events Catalogue
November 2008 Upper South Island Flooding
(
2008-11-23
)
Heavy rain brought flooding to the Nelson-Tasman region, Marlborough and the West Coast. There was also heavy rain in parts of the North Island, mainly Taranaki, and high winds hit various places across the country.
New Zealand
Multi Hazard
at
New Zealand
Duration: 3 days - From the 23rd to the 25th of November.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 9:39 am 21-Nov-2008: Heavy rain for the north and west of the South Island this weekend, continuing on Monday. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: northern Fiordland, Westland, Buller, Nelson, Marlborough Sounds and Richmond Ranges.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 8:56 pm 21-Nov-2008: Heavy rain for the north and west of the South Island this weekend, continuing on Monday, with spillover into the headwaters of Otago and Canterbury. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: northern Fiordland, Westland, Buller, Nelson, Marlborough Sounds and Richmond Ranges, also headwaters of the main lakes and rivers from Lake Wanaka to the Waimakariri River.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 9:02 am 22-Nov-2008: Heavy rain for the north and west of the South Island this weekend, continuing on Monday, with spillover into the headwaters of Otago and Canterbury. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: northern Fiordland, Westland, Buller, Nelson, Marlborough Sounds and Richmond Ranges, also headwaters of the main lakes and rivers from Lake Wanaka to the Waimakariri River.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 9:13 am 22-Nov-2008: Heavy rain for the north and west of the South Island this weekend, continuing on Monday, with spillover into the headwaters of Otago and Canterbury. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: northern Fiordland, Westland, Buller, Nelson, Marlborough Sounds and Richmond Ranges, also headwaters of the main lakes and rivers from Lake Wanaka to the Waimakariri River.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 8:41 pm 22-Nov-2008: Rain continues Sunday and Monday for Nelson and Marlborough, heavy rain spreads back into Buller and Westland during Sunday. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: Westland, Buller, Nelson, Marlborough Sounds, Richmond Ranges and the headwaters of the Canterbury and Otago rivers from Lake Wanaka northwards. WARNINGS NO LONGER IN FORCE: Heavy Rain Warning lifted for Fiordland.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 9:29 am 23-Nov-2008: Rain continues Sunday and Monday for Nelson and Marlborough, heavy rain spreads back into Buller and Westland during Sunday. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: Westland, Buller, Nelson, Marlborough Sounds, Richmond Range and the headwaters of the Canterbury and Otago rivers from Lake Wanaka northwards.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 12:08 pm 23-Nov-2008: More heavy rain for Westland, Buller, Nelson and Marlborough Sounds from Sunday night, also from Taranaki to Mt Ruapehu from Sunday night to Tuesday morning. Also severe northerly gales near Cook Strait on Monday evening. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: Westland, Buller, Nelson, Marlborough Sounds, Richmond Range, headwaters of the Canterbury and Otago rivers from Lake Wanaka northwards, also Mt Taranaki to Mt Ruapehu; and STRONG WIND WARNING for: outer Marlborough Sounds also south coast and higher hill tops of Wellington.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 8:06 pm 23-Nov-2008: Heavy rain during Monday in west and north of South Island and about Central North Island country. Severe northerly gales near Cook Strait Monday evening. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: Westland, Buller, Nelson, Marlborough Sounds, Richmond Ranges, headwaters of the Otago and Canterbury lakes and rivers from Lake Wanaka northwards, Mt Taranaki to Mt Ruapehu; and STRONG WIND WARNING for: outer Marlborough Sounds and also the south coast and higher hill tops of Wellington.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 9:24 am 24-Nov-2008: Heavy rain today in west and north of South Island and spreading from Taranaki to Mt Ruapehu and eastern Bay of Plenty. Severe northerly gales developing near Cook Strait this evening spreading to Wairarapa early Tuesday. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: Westland, Buller, Nelson, Marlborough Sounds, Richmond Ranges, headwaters of the Otago and Canterbury lakes and rivers from Lake Wanaka northwards, Mt Taranaki to Mt Ruapehu and eastern ranges of Bay of Plenty; and STRONG WIND WARNING for: outer Marlborough Sounds and also the south coast and higher hill tops of Wellington and exposed areas in Wairarapa.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 8:18 pm 24-Nov-2008: Heavy rain easing tonight in west and north of South Island. Heavy rain in Central North Island easing in morning. Severe northerly gales about Central New Zealand tonight. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: Westland, Buller, Nelson, Marlborough Sounds, Richmond Ranges, headwaters of the Otago and Canterbury lakes and rivers from Lake Wanaka northwards, Mt Taranaki to Mt Ruapehu and eastern ranges of Bay of Plenty; and STRONG WIND WARNING for: outer Marlborough Sounds and the eastern Marlborough hills, the higher hill tops and south coast of Wellington, exposed areas in Wairarapa.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 7:23 am 25-Nov-2008: Heavy rain has eased overnight in most places but some remaining in Westland and eastern Bay of Plenty this morning. Gales have eased over Central New Zealand. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: Westland ranges south of Otira, eastern Bay of Plenty ranges. WARNINGS NO LONGER IN FORCE: Heavy Rain Warnings lifted for Westland north of Otira, Buller , Nelson, Marlborough, the Otago and Canterbury headwaters, Mt Taranaki and the hills eastwards to Mt Ruapehu; and Strong Wind Warnings lifted for Wellington, Wairarapa, Marlborough Sounds and hills of eastern Marlborough.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 11:56 am 25-Nov-2008: High winds North Canterbury and Kaikoura coast easing this afternoon. Heavy rain in Westland ranges easing this afternoon. Warning lifted for eastern Bay of Plenty. Includes STRONG WIND WARNING for: North Canterbury, the Kaikoura coast and the eastern hills of Marlborough south of Blenheim; and HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: Westland ranges south of Otira. WARNINGS NO LONGER IN FORCE: Heavy Rain Warning lifted for eastern Bay of Plenty ranges.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 3:54 pm 25-Nov-2008: Rain in the Westland ranges is now easing, northwest gales in North Canterbury and eastern Marlborough abating. WARNINGS NO LONGER IN FORCE: Heavy Rain Warning lifted for Westland ranges south of Otira; and Strong Wind Warnings lifted for North Canterbury, the Kaikoura coast and the eastern hills of Marlborough south of Blenheim.
As a high slowly moved away to the east, a large low gradually moved across the Taman Sea. A strong, humid northerly flow between the two systems covered the country on the 23rd, with several fronts, dragging air down from the subtropics. On the night of the 24th, the low crossed the South Island and the flow tended westerly. There was a brief blast of north-westerly gales in Canterbury before a cold front brought a south-westerly change later in the afternoon on the 25th.
South Island
Heavy Rain
at
South Island
Up to 400 mm (40 cm) of rain fell in some places in the South Island on the 23rd.
Heavy rain came down on Westland, Buller, Nelson, the Marlborough Sounds and along the Richmond Range on the 23rd.
Multi Hazard
Rocks and trees were reported on many roads in the West Coast, Nelson and Blenhiem areas.
Flooding
Flooding closed the State Highway 6 between Hira (Tasman-Nelson) and Havelock (Marlborough).
Northland
High Wind / Gust
at
Northland
The Fire Service was called to clear trees from three separate parts of SH1 near Kaitaia, Kawakawa and Kaikohe on the evening of the 24th.
Auckland
Multi Hazard
at
Auckland Harbour Bridge
Poor weather in Auckland overnight on the 23rd caused a truck to jack-knife on the Harbour Bridge.
High Wind / Gust
at
Manurewa
A tree fell on a house in Short Street, Manurewa, shortly after 7.30pm on the 24th. It did not cause any structural damage.
Taranaki
Heavy Rain
at
Mount Taranaki
More than 300 mm (30 cm) of rain was recorded on Mt Taranaki.
Heavy Rain
at
New Plymouth
New Plymouth recorded 35 mm (3.5 cm) of rain.
Heavy Rain
at
Stratford
Stratford recorded 61 mm (6.1 cm) of rain.
Marlborough
Heavy Rain
at
Marlborough
The heavy rain overnight on the 24th caused havoc from Rai Valley through to Havelock.
Landslide
at
Canvastown
A slip blocked State Highway 6 at Racecourse Stream, between Blenheim and Nelson, for a time on the morning of the 25th.
Flooding
Torrential rain caused the Wakamarina River to break its banks and spill over the lower Wakamarina Rd and surrounding properties.
Floodwaters entered the Trout Hotel and the Canvastown Memorial Hall on the evening of the 24th. Several residents and a Rotorua family who were rescued from their cars after they became trapped in the floods, stayed at the hotel on the night of the 24th because they could not get home.
A woman was marooned in rapidly rising flood waters after her car became stranded on the flooded SH6, about one kilometre on the Nelson side of Dalton's Bridge on the night of the 24th. Her husband and 10-year-old son were stranded further down the road in another car when they tried to rescue her. All were rescued by two men on a tractor and truck.
The water was about 1 metre deep over the road where the woman's car was stranded.
At Pinedale Motor Camp, the Wakamarina River rose up to the picnic and barbecue area.
Heavy Rain
A Wakamarina Road farmer recorded 117.5 mm (11.8 cm) of rain in his NIWA rain gauge in the 24 hours from 9am on the 24th.
A same farmer recorded 40 mm (4.0 cm) of rain on the 23rd.
Flooding
at
Pelorus Bridge
At the Pelorus Bridge camping ground, the Pelorus River rose up and overflowed straight onto the camping field. All campers had been relocated to the Pelorus Outdoor Centre early on the morning of the 24th. The camping ground was likely to be closed for about a week.
The water rose more than 1 metre around the toilet block, leaving it covered in mud, silt and debris.
Flooding
at
Rai Valley
A Rai Valley dairy farmer said his property flooded rapidly overnight on the 24th. Everything was coming out of the ground, his K Line irrigation was no longer in place, his mower and hay rake were well under water and he guessed nearly 100 of his fresh hay bales had floated away.
He estimated the water was about 2 metres at its deepest point.
Heavy Rain
at
Richmond Range
The Richmond Ranges had just over 100 mm (10 cm) of rain.
Heavy Rain
at
Tunakino River
One of the worst affected areas in Marlborough was Tunakino, which had received 312 mm (31.2 cm) of rain from the 22nd.
Flooding
at
Wairau River
The Wairau River recorded its highest peak of 1860 cumecs at 6am on the 25th.
Heavy Rain
at
Wairau Valley
The Wairau Valley hills had 50 mm (5 cm) of rain.
Tasman-Nelson
Flooding
at
Tasman-Nelson
Officials were close to declaring a state of emergency in the Nelson region on the night of the 24th as heavy rain caused flooding across the region.
Vineyards in the region turned into lakes.
A dead cow was reported floating down the river at Paynes Ford, but it was not yet known how many livestock had drowned.
Heavy Rain
Up to 300 mm (30 cm) of rain fell in parts of the Nelson region in 24 hours.
The persistent rain was pushed into the hills above Nelson and Golden Bay by strong northerly winds.
Landslide
SH 60 from Riwaka to Collingwood was closed because of a slip on the Takaka side of Takaka Hill, cutting off Golden Bay. The Takaka Hill and Takaka Valley Roads were closed overnight on the 24th.
High Wind / Gust
The maximum wind gust was 74 km/hr, recorded between 5pm and 6pm on the 24th.
Multi Hazard
On the morning of the 25th there were slips and washouts on some roads, especially in Golden Bay and on the road to St Arnaud. The Long Plain Rd in Golden Bay remained shut during the morning due to a major washout. The Aniseed Valley Rd above the Hackett car park was also closed due to trees across the road.
Damage from the floods in the Tasman district would cost about $925,000 to repair, the majority of it being in Golden Bay.
Heavy Rain
at
Anatoki Range
300 mm (30 cm) of rain fell in the Anatoki high country in 24 hours from 6pm on the 23rd to 6pm on the 24th.
Flooding
at
Brightwater
SH6 around the Brightwater Bridge was awash on the 24th.
Neighbouring vineyards were flooded and residents in six houses on Bryants Rd were trapped inside from about 8.30pm as the river came up to the road.
The Brightwater River was threatening and peaked around 7pm on the 24th at 1050 cumecs. It was down to 250 cumecs on Tuesday morning.
Multi Hazard
at
Golden Bay
Heavy rain and strong winds forced schools in Golden Bay to close early on the 24th.
Heavy Rain
Over two days from the 23rd to the 24th, there was more than 200 mm (20 cm) of rain in Golden Bay.
Flooding
at
Kaiteriteri
There were two dropouts on the Kaiteriteri-Sandy Bay road.
Heavy Rain
at
Kotinga
At Kotinga, just above Takaka, 200 mm (20 cm) of rain fell in 24 hours from 6pm on the 23rd to 6pm on the 24th.
Flooding
The Takaka River reached a peak flow of 1500 cumecs at Kotinga bridge.
Flooding
at
Lee River
Three Tasman District Council hydrologists were trapped in the Upper Lee Valley on the night of the 24th when heavy rain made the ford crossings impassable.
Flooding
at
Ligar Bay
There was a dropout on Abel Tasman Drive, near Ligar Bay.
Flooding
at
Maitai Dam
The Maitai dam had continued to overflow with recent rainfall.
Heavy Rain
The Maitai hills area behind Nelson recorded 123 mm (12.3 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9pm on the 24th.
Flooding
at
Maori Pa Beach
The road to Delaware Bay was cut off with flooding over the causeway at Maori Pa Bridge.
High Wind / Gust
at
Motueka
Several roofs were lifted by gale force winds in Motueka on the 24th.
Flooding
at
Nelson city
The city council closed the Maitai Valley Road in Nelson, as river levels continued to rise. Avon Terrace was also closed due to flooding.
The Maitai walkway from Collingwood St to Bridge St was closed to pedestrians because of fast flowing water over the footpath in places.
The Matai River came extremely close to bursting its banks and flooding parts of the city. Sandbags were placed along the river banks and around some properties as a precaution. The river reached the basements of some houses and reached overflow point in other areas.
The Maitai River peaked at 1035 cumecs at Avon Tce at about 7.30pm on the 24th.
Large debris was swept down the Maitai River, with trees and logs from the July windstorm picked up and carried away.
Heavy Rain
The weather monitoring site in Stoke recorded around 90 mm (9 cm) of rain in 36 hours from the 23rd to the 24th - close to double its monthly average rainfall.
The heavy rain eased shortly before high tide at 8.30pm on the 24th.
The prolonged rainfall on the night of the 24th caused raw sewage to overflow from sewer manholes in five or six areas in Nelson, as a result of stormwater infiltrating the sewer network.
The hills above Nelson city recorded 136 mm (13.6 cm) of rain.
Nelson Airport recorded 59 mm (5.9 cm) of rain on the 24th.
Multi Hazard
The cost of damage to Nelson streets had so far been calculated at $25,000.
Heavy Rain
at
Parapara Ridge
The ranges between Takaka and Collingwood were lashed by 328 mm (32.8 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 8pm on the 24th.
Flooding
at
Pelorus River
Bacteria testing of the Pelorus River at Totara Flat showed levels soaring to 20,000 the day after the flooding.
Flooding
at
Rai Falls
Bacteria testing of the Rai River at Rai Falls recorded a contamination of 8,900 the day after the flooding.
Heavy Rain
Rai Falls recorded 266 mm (26.6 cm) of rain in 72 hours.
Flooding
at
Riwaka
There was surface flooding around the Riwaka Valley on the night of the 24th.
A house in Riwaka was flooded at 8.15pm on the 24th.
Flooding
at
Riwaka River (North Branch)
The Riwaka North River flow peaked at about 76 cumecs - the second highest on record, being only 200 m below the 1983 flood level.
Heavy Rain
at
Takaka
Takaka recorded 128 mm (12.8 cm) of rain on the 23rd.
Flooding
Takaka was the worst hit with flooding, with water flowing through the main streets. Water poured down Commercial St and seeped into three low-lying shops. One of the worst-hit buildings was The Dangerous Kitchen, where the water came all the way through the cafe.
Commercial St was closed to traffic.
It was described as the worst flood to hit Takaka since 1986. The owner of the Junction Hotel in Takaka said it was the worst she had seen in 25 years.
The flood peaked at 7.36pm on the 24th in Takaka.
Takaka was cut off from 4.45pm with both SH60 in the Takaka Valley and Waitapu Bridge towards Collingwood closed by heavy flooding.
Landslide
at
Totaranui
There were several slips on Totaranui Rd.
Heavy Rain
at
Upper Takaka
257 mm (25.7 cm) of rain fell above Upper Takaka.
Landslide
at
Uruwhenua
One family living at Craigieburn, near Urewhenua, was evacuated on the afternoon of the 24th because of a landslip behind their home. They returned home that night.
Flooding
at
Waimea River
There was surface flooding on areas of the Waimea Plains on the night of the 24th.
Flooding
at
Whangamoa homestead
A man was driving along SH6 on the Serpentine straight, about 10km north of Rai Valley, when the car he was driving plunged down an eight-metre bank into the flooded Collins River river and was swept 100 m downstream. After he got out of the car he was swept about another 100 m before managing to reach the bank. The man had been driving in torrential rain before losing control of his car.
West Coast
Flooding
at
West Coast
Downpours in the central West Coast caused some surface flooding.
Many roads on the West Coast were partially under water on the morning of the 25th.
SH 6 between Whataroa and Haast was closed from about 7pm on the 24th until the next morning due to serious surface flooding at Lake Wahapo.
High Wind / Gust
Strong winds blew down fences and trees.
Heavy Rain
Access to the glaciers was closed on the morning of the 25th because of the amount of ice melt.
Flooding
at
Arahura
The access bridge for construction workers at the Arahura Bridge was damaged by the flooding. The roads to the temporary bridge were also destroyed, but were quickly being rebuilt.
Heavy Rain
at
Cropp River
The Cropp River station recorded 991 mm (99.1 cm) of rain in three days from the 23rd to the 25th. This was a a one-in-20- to a one-in-50-year rainfall event.
The Cropp River station recorded 588 mm (58.8 cm) of rain on the 24th.
The Cropp River station recorded 48 mm (4.8 cm) of rain in one hour on the 24th.
Flooding
at
Dobson Creek
The Dobson River, 8 km from Greymouth was at alarm level one early on the 24th and later rose 60 cm over its first warning level to just over 4 m.
Flooding
at
Fox Glacier
About 70% of the Fox Glacier access road was washed away when the Fox River burst its banks on the 25th. A 300m stretch of road, including half the causeway and half the car parking area, was gone, leaving no vehicle access to the glacier area, although foot traffic was allowed. There was no access to the actual glacier and all of the Fox Glacier Valley was closed. Four cars were stranded in the carpark. Access to the Fox Glacier was restored by the 4th December.
Flooding
at
Garvey Creek
There was some surface water on roads at Garvey’s Creek near Reefton.
Heavy Rain
at
Greymouth
Greymouth had almost as much rain in one day, on the 24th, as it had for all of November 2007.
Greymouth aerodrome recorded 62.8 mm (6.3 cm) of rain in 24 hours on the 24th.
Flooding
The Grey River reached the first stage alarm level.
High Wind / Gust
Strong winds threatened some roofs in Greymouth.
Flooding
at
Hector
There was some surface water on roads around Hector.
Flooding
at
Mokihinui
A Mokihinui dairy farmer said half his paddocks were under water on the 24th.
Multi Hazard
at
Mount Hercules
Trees and slips were brought down on Mount Hercules, between Harihari and Whataroa.
Heavy Rain
at
Reefton
Reefton recorded 90 mm (9.0 cm) of rain on the 24th. This was a November record.
Flooding
at
Te Kuha
Torrential rain on the 24th pushed the Buller River at Te Kuha to 8.3 m at high tide at around 9pm that night - 90 cm above its stage one flood warning level.
Heavy Rain
at
Westport
By lunchtime on the 24th, 238.2 mm (23.8 cm) of rain had fallen in Westport during the month of November - over five times as much rain as for the whole of November the year before.
Canterbury
High Wind / Gust
at
Canterbury
Ferocious northwest winds hammered North Canterbury around midday on the 25th.
Heavy Rain
at
Arthur's Pass village
Arthur’s Pass received well over 300 mm (30 cm) of rain on the 24th.
At 6am on the 25th, 30 mm (3 cm) of rain an hour was still falling.
High Wind / Gust
at
Culverden
Extreme winds brought down trees and power lines near Culverden.
High Wind / Gust
at
Hanmer Springs
Extreme winds brought down trees and power lines near Hanmer.
Roofing iron was ripped from the roof of Scarborough Lodge and blown across the street, causing damage to cars.
Gusts of more than 130 km/hr roared across the town.
High Wind / Gust
at
Hundalee
Extreme winds brought down trees and power lines on SH1 around the Hundalees.
Otago
Heavy Rain
at
Otago
Two days of heavy rain across the Upper Clutha caused lake levels to rise.
Heavy Rain
at
Lake Hawea
Lake Hawea reached 342.64 m at 2pm on the 26th, up more than half a metre in the past two days.
Heavy Rain
at
Queenstown
Lake Wakatipu was 40cm away from reaching its first flood level at 2pm on the 26th, at a height of 310.40 m.
Heavy Rain
at
Wanaka
Lake Wanaka was at 278.50m above sea level at 2pm on the 26th - a rise of more than a metre since the 24th.
References
- Headline: Wild weather creates chaos in upper South Island.
- 3news.co.nz, Source: RadioLIVE, 24 November 2008, 9:50pm.
- Headline: Flooded Nelson residents start the long clean-up.
- 3news.co.nz, Source: 3 News and NZPA, 24 November 2008, 10:41pm.
- Headline: Coast mops up after deluge.
- www.greystar.co.nz, 25 November 2008.
- Headline: Glacier access road washed away.
- www.greystar.co.nz, 26 November 2008.
- Headline: Fox Glacier washout strands cars.
- www.greystar.co.nz, 27 November 2008.
- Headline: Arahura River damage no problem.
- www.greystar.co.nz, 27 November 2008.
- Headline: Fox Glacier road access restored.
- www.greystar.co.nz, 4 December 2008.
- Meteorological Society of New Zealand (Inc.). (2008). Climate summary for spring 2008. Newsletter 115, December 2008. 12-22
- Headline: November rain five times last year’s.
- The News, 24 November 2008.
- Headline: Torrential rain swells Coast rivers.
- The News, 25 November 2008.
- Headline: Heavy rain moves in.
- www.newstalkzb.co.nz, 23 November 2008, 1:20pm.
- Headline: Schools closed by weather in Golden Bay.
- www.newstalkzb.co.nz, 24 November 2008, 2:40pm.
- Headline: Further rain forecast for tonight.
- www.newstalkzb.co.nz, 24 November 2008, 3:08pm.
- Headline: Nelson gets a dousing.
- www.newstalkzb.co.nz, 25 November 2008, 9:20am.
- Headline: Heavy rain and wind strike today.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, 24 November 2008, 4:00am.
- Headline: Motorists warned after storm leaves South Island roads treacherous.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, Source: NZPA and Newstalk ZB, 25 November 2008, 11:41am.
- Headline: Wild weather starts to ease.
- www.odt.co.nz, 25 November 2008, 2:32pm.
- Headline: Lakes approach flood alert levels.
- www.odt.co.nz, 27 November 2008, 5:00am.
- Headline: Stormy weather bringing downpours, strong winds.
- www.radionz.co.nz, 24 November 2008, 3:59pm.
- Headline: Chilly weather follows summer storms.
- www.radionz.co.nz, 25 November 2008, 8:12am.
- Headline: Heavy rain, high winds to lash country.
- www.stuff.co.nz, 24 November 2008.
- Headline: Another spring blast of wind and rain.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Dominion Post, 25 November 2008.
- Headline: Rain causes havoc.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Marlborough Express, 25 November 2008.
- Headline: Floods won't keep boy from mum.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Marlborough Express, 26 November 2008.
- Headline: Swimmers warned to avoid rivers.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Marlborough Express, 17 December 2008.
- Headline: Rising waters spark emergency alert.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Nelson Mail, 24 November 2008.
- Headline: Driver swims away.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Nelson Mail, 25 November 2008.
- Headline: Takaka hit by worst flooding in 20 years.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Nelson Mail, 25 November 2008.
- Headline: Flood an opportunity to test new emergency plan.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Nelson Mail, 26 November 2008.
- Headline: Tasman flood damage tops $900,000.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Nelson Mail, 28 November 2008.
- Headline: Opening the floodgates of opinion.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Nelson Mail, 13 December 2008.
- Headline: West Coast soaked as Canterbury fries.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: The Press, 25 November 2008.
- Headline: Nelson man carried 100m in raging torrent.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: The Press, 26 November 2008.
- Headline: Floods, high winds cause damage in south.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Fairfax Media in The Press, 25 November 2008.
- Headline: Rain lashes the upper South Island.
- tvnz.co.nz, Source: ONE News, 24 November 2008, 7:40pm.
- Headline: Weather keeps services busy.
- tvnz.co.nz, Source: ONE News, 25 November 2008, 6:43am.
- Headline: Flood cuts Fox Glacier access road.
- tvnz.co.nz, Source: ONE News, 27 November 2008, 7:48pm.
- MetService Email Lists
November 2008 Upper South Island Flooding
(
2008-11-23
)
Heavy rain brought flooding to the Nelson-Tasman region, Marlborough and the West Coast. There was also heavy rain in parts of the North Island, mainly Taranaki, and high winds hit various places across the country.
New Zealand
Multi Hazard
at
New Zealand
Duration: 3 days - From the 23rd to the 25th of November.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 9:39 am 21-Nov-2008: Heavy rain for the north and west of the South Island this weekend, continuing on Monday. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: northern Fiordland, Westland, Buller, Nelson, Marlborough Sounds and Richmond Ranges.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 8:56 pm 21-Nov-2008: Heavy rain for the north and west of the South Island this weekend, continuing on Monday, with spillover into the headwaters of Otago and Canterbury. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: northern Fiordland, Westland, Buller, Nelson, Marlborough Sounds and Richmond Ranges, also headwaters of the main lakes and rivers from Lake Wanaka to the Waimakariri River.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 9:02 am 22-Nov-2008: Heavy rain for the north and west of the South Island this weekend, continuing on Monday, with spillover into the headwaters of Otago and Canterbury. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: northern Fiordland, Westland, Buller, Nelson, Marlborough Sounds and Richmond Ranges, also headwaters of the main lakes and rivers from Lake Wanaka to the Waimakariri River.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 9:13 am 22-Nov-2008: Heavy rain for the north and west of the South Island this weekend, continuing on Monday, with spillover into the headwaters of Otago and Canterbury. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: northern Fiordland, Westland, Buller, Nelson, Marlborough Sounds and Richmond Ranges, also headwaters of the main lakes and rivers from Lake Wanaka to the Waimakariri River.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 8:41 pm 22-Nov-2008: Rain continues Sunday and Monday for Nelson and Marlborough, heavy rain spreads back into Buller and Westland during Sunday. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: Westland, Buller, Nelson, Marlborough Sounds, Richmond Ranges and the headwaters of the Canterbury and Otago rivers from Lake Wanaka northwards. WARNINGS NO LONGER IN FORCE: Heavy Rain Warning lifted for Fiordland.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 9:29 am 23-Nov-2008: Rain continues Sunday and Monday for Nelson and Marlborough, heavy rain spreads back into Buller and Westland during Sunday. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: Westland, Buller, Nelson, Marlborough Sounds, Richmond Range and the headwaters of the Canterbury and Otago rivers from Lake Wanaka northwards.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 12:08 pm 23-Nov-2008: More heavy rain for Westland, Buller, Nelson and Marlborough Sounds from Sunday night, also from Taranaki to Mt Ruapehu from Sunday night to Tuesday morning. Also severe northerly gales near Cook Strait on Monday evening. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: Westland, Buller, Nelson, Marlborough Sounds, Richmond Range, headwaters of the Canterbury and Otago rivers from Lake Wanaka northwards, also Mt Taranaki to Mt Ruapehu; and STRONG WIND WARNING for: outer Marlborough Sounds also south coast and higher hill tops of Wellington.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 8:06 pm 23-Nov-2008: Heavy rain during Monday in west and north of South Island and about Central North Island country. Severe northerly gales near Cook Strait Monday evening. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: Westland, Buller, Nelson, Marlborough Sounds, Richmond Ranges, headwaters of the Otago and Canterbury lakes and rivers from Lake Wanaka northwards, Mt Taranaki to Mt Ruapehu; and STRONG WIND WARNING for: outer Marlborough Sounds and also the south coast and higher hill tops of Wellington.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 9:24 am 24-Nov-2008: Heavy rain today in west and north of South Island and spreading from Taranaki to Mt Ruapehu and eastern Bay of Plenty. Severe northerly gales developing near Cook Strait this evening spreading to Wairarapa early Tuesday. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: Westland, Buller, Nelson, Marlborough Sounds, Richmond Ranges, headwaters of the Otago and Canterbury lakes and rivers from Lake Wanaka northwards, Mt Taranaki to Mt Ruapehu and eastern ranges of Bay of Plenty; and STRONG WIND WARNING for: outer Marlborough Sounds and also the south coast and higher hill tops of Wellington and exposed areas in Wairarapa.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 8:18 pm 24-Nov-2008: Heavy rain easing tonight in west and north of South Island. Heavy rain in Central North Island easing in morning. Severe northerly gales about Central New Zealand tonight. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: Westland, Buller, Nelson, Marlborough Sounds, Richmond Ranges, headwaters of the Otago and Canterbury lakes and rivers from Lake Wanaka northwards, Mt Taranaki to Mt Ruapehu and eastern ranges of Bay of Plenty; and STRONG WIND WARNING for: outer Marlborough Sounds and the eastern Marlborough hills, the higher hill tops and south coast of Wellington, exposed areas in Wairarapa.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 7:23 am 25-Nov-2008: Heavy rain has eased overnight in most places but some remaining in Westland and eastern Bay of Plenty this morning. Gales have eased over Central New Zealand. Includes HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: Westland ranges south of Otira, eastern Bay of Plenty ranges. WARNINGS NO LONGER IN FORCE: Heavy Rain Warnings lifted for Westland north of Otira, Buller , Nelson, Marlborough, the Otago and Canterbury headwaters, Mt Taranaki and the hills eastwards to Mt Ruapehu; and Strong Wind Warnings lifted for Wellington, Wairarapa, Marlborough Sounds and hills of eastern Marlborough.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 11:56 am 25-Nov-2008: High winds North Canterbury and Kaikoura coast easing this afternoon. Heavy rain in Westland ranges easing this afternoon. Warning lifted for eastern Bay of Plenty. Includes STRONG WIND WARNING for: North Canterbury, the Kaikoura coast and the eastern hills of Marlborough south of Blenheim; and HEAVY RAIN WARNING for: Westland ranges south of Otira. WARNINGS NO LONGER IN FORCE: Heavy Rain Warning lifted for eastern Bay of Plenty ranges.
MetService SEVERE WEATHER WARNING issued at 3:54 pm 25-Nov-2008: Rain in the Westland ranges is now easing, northwest gales in North Canterbury and eastern Marlborough abating. WARNINGS NO LONGER IN FORCE: Heavy Rain Warning lifted for Westland ranges south of Otira; and Strong Wind Warnings lifted for North Canterbury, the Kaikoura coast and the eastern hills of Marlborough south of Blenheim.
As a high slowly moved away to the east, a large low gradually moved across the Taman Sea. A strong, humid northerly flow between the two systems covered the country on the 23rd, with several fronts, dragging air down from the subtropics. On the night of the 24th, the low crossed the South Island and the flow tended westerly. There was a brief blast of north-westerly gales in Canterbury before a cold front brought a south-westerly change later in the afternoon on the 25th.
South Island
Heavy Rain
at
South Island
Up to 400 mm (40 cm) of rain fell in some places in the South Island on the 23rd.
Heavy rain came down on Westland, Buller, Nelson, the Marlborough Sounds and along the Richmond Range on the 23rd.
Multi Hazard
Rocks and trees were reported on many roads in the West Coast, Nelson and Blenhiem areas.
Flooding
Flooding closed the State Highway 6 between Hira (Tasman-Nelson) and Havelock (Marlborough).
Northland
High Wind / Gust
at
Northland
The Fire Service was called to clear trees from three separate parts of SH1 near Kaitaia, Kawakawa and Kaikohe on the evening of the 24th.
Auckland
Multi Hazard
at
Auckland Harbour Bridge
Poor weather in Auckland overnight on the 23rd caused a truck to jack-knife on the Harbour Bridge.
High Wind / Gust
at
Manurewa
A tree fell on a house in Short Street, Manurewa, shortly after 7.30pm on the 24th. It did not cause any structural damage.
Taranaki
Heavy Rain
at
Mount Taranaki
More than 300 mm (30 cm) of rain was recorded on Mt Taranaki.
Heavy Rain
at
New Plymouth
New Plymouth recorded 35 mm (3.5 cm) of rain.
Heavy Rain
at
Stratford
Stratford recorded 61 mm (6.1 cm) of rain.
Marlborough
Heavy Rain
at
Marlborough
The heavy rain overnight on the 24th caused havoc from Rai Valley through to Havelock.
Landslide
at
Canvastown
A slip blocked State Highway 6 at Racecourse Stream, between Blenheim and Nelson, for a time on the morning of the 25th.
Flooding
Torrential rain caused the Wakamarina River to break its banks and spill over the lower Wakamarina Rd and surrounding properties.
Floodwaters entered the Trout Hotel and the Canvastown Memorial Hall on the evening of the 24th. Several residents and a Rotorua family who were rescued from their cars after they became trapped in the floods, stayed at the hotel on the night of the 24th because they could not get home.
A woman was marooned in rapidly rising flood waters after her car became stranded on the flooded SH6, about one kilometre on the Nelson side of Dalton's Bridge on the night of the 24th. Her husband and 10-year-old son were stranded further down the road in another car when they tried to rescue her. All were rescued by two men on a tractor and truck.
The water was about 1 metre deep over the road where the woman's car was stranded.
At Pinedale Motor Camp, the Wakamarina River rose up to the picnic and barbecue area.
Heavy Rain
A Wakamarina Road farmer recorded 117.5 mm (11.8 cm) of rain in his NIWA rain gauge in the 24 hours from 9am on the 24th.
A same farmer recorded 40 mm (4.0 cm) of rain on the 23rd.
Flooding
at
Pelorus Bridge
At the Pelorus Bridge camping ground, the Pelorus River rose up and overflowed straight onto the camping field. All campers had been relocated to the Pelorus Outdoor Centre early on the morning of the 24th. The camping ground was likely to be closed for about a week.
The water rose more than 1 metre around the toilet block, leaving it covered in mud, silt and debris.
Flooding
at
Rai Valley
A Rai Valley dairy farmer said his property flooded rapidly overnight on the 24th. Everything was coming out of the ground, his K Line irrigation was no longer in place, his mower and hay rake were well under water and he guessed nearly 100 of his fresh hay bales had floated away.
He estimated the water was about 2 metres at its deepest point.
Heavy Rain
at
Richmond Range
The Richmond Ranges had just over 100 mm (10 cm) of rain.
Heavy Rain
at
Tunakino River
One of the worst affected areas in Marlborough was Tunakino, which had received 312 mm (31.2 cm) of rain from the 22nd.
Flooding
at
Wairau River
The Wairau River recorded its highest peak of 1860 cumecs at 6am on the 25th.
Heavy Rain
at
Wairau Valley
The Wairau Valley hills had 50 mm (5 cm) of rain.
Tasman-Nelson
Flooding
at
Tasman-Nelson
Officials were close to declaring a state of emergency in the Nelson region on the night of the 24th as heavy rain caused flooding across the region.
Vineyards in the region turned into lakes.
A dead cow was reported floating down the river at Paynes Ford, but it was not yet known how many livestock had drowned.
Heavy Rain
Up to 300 mm (30 cm) of rain fell in parts of the Nelson region in 24 hours.
The persistent rain was pushed into the hills above Nelson and Golden Bay by strong northerly winds.
Landslide
SH 60 from Riwaka to Collingwood was closed because of a slip on the Takaka side of Takaka Hill, cutting off Golden Bay. The Takaka Hill and Takaka Valley Roads were closed overnight on the 24th.
High Wind / Gust
The maximum wind gust was 74 km/hr, recorded between 5pm and 6pm on the 24th.
Multi Hazard
On the morning of the 25th there were slips and washouts on some roads, especially in Golden Bay and on the road to St Arnaud. The Long Plain Rd in Golden Bay remained shut during the morning due to a major washout. The Aniseed Valley Rd above the Hackett car park was also closed due to trees across the road.
Damage from the floods in the Tasman district would cost about $925,000 to repair, the majority of it being in Golden Bay.
Heavy Rain
at
Anatoki Range
300 mm (30 cm) of rain fell in the Anatoki high country in 24 hours from 6pm on the 23rd to 6pm on the 24th.
Flooding
at
Brightwater
SH6 around the Brightwater Bridge was awash on the 24th.
Neighbouring vineyards were flooded and residents in six houses on Bryants Rd were trapped inside from about 8.30pm as the river came up to the road.
The Brightwater River was threatening and peaked around 7pm on the 24th at 1050 cumecs. It was down to 250 cumecs on Tuesday morning.
Multi Hazard
at
Golden Bay
Heavy rain and strong winds forced schools in Golden Bay to close early on the 24th.
Heavy Rain
Over two days from the 23rd to the 24th, there was more than 200 mm (20 cm) of rain in Golden Bay.
Flooding
at
Kaiteriteri
There were two dropouts on the Kaiteriteri-Sandy Bay road.
Heavy Rain
at
Kotinga
At Kotinga, just above Takaka, 200 mm (20 cm) of rain fell in 24 hours from 6pm on the 23rd to 6pm on the 24th.
Flooding
The Takaka River reached a peak flow of 1500 cumecs at Kotinga bridge.
Flooding
at
Lee River
Three Tasman District Council hydrologists were trapped in the Upper Lee Valley on the night of the 24th when heavy rain made the ford crossings impassable.
Flooding
at
Ligar Bay
There was a dropout on Abel Tasman Drive, near Ligar Bay.
Flooding
at
Maitai Dam
The Maitai dam had continued to overflow with recent rainfall.
Heavy Rain
The Maitai hills area behind Nelson recorded 123 mm (12.3 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 9pm on the 24th.
Flooding
at
Maori Pa Beach
The road to Delaware Bay was cut off with flooding over the causeway at Maori Pa Bridge.
High Wind / Gust
at
Motueka
Several roofs were lifted by gale force winds in Motueka on the 24th.
Flooding
at
Nelson city
The city council closed the Maitai Valley Road in Nelson, as river levels continued to rise. Avon Terrace was also closed due to flooding.
The Maitai walkway from Collingwood St to Bridge St was closed to pedestrians because of fast flowing water over the footpath in places.
The Matai River came extremely close to bursting its banks and flooding parts of the city. Sandbags were placed along the river banks and around some properties as a precaution. The river reached the basements of some houses and reached overflow point in other areas.
The Maitai River peaked at 1035 cumecs at Avon Tce at about 7.30pm on the 24th.
Large debris was swept down the Maitai River, with trees and logs from the July windstorm picked up and carried away.
Heavy Rain
The weather monitoring site in Stoke recorded around 90 mm (9 cm) of rain in 36 hours from the 23rd to the 24th - close to double its monthly average rainfall.
The heavy rain eased shortly before high tide at 8.30pm on the 24th.
The prolonged rainfall on the night of the 24th caused raw sewage to overflow from sewer manholes in five or six areas in Nelson, as a result of stormwater infiltrating the sewer network.
The hills above Nelson city recorded 136 mm (13.6 cm) of rain.
Nelson Airport recorded 59 mm (5.9 cm) of rain on the 24th.
Multi Hazard
The cost of damage to Nelson streets had so far been calculated at $25,000.
Heavy Rain
at
Parapara Ridge
The ranges between Takaka and Collingwood were lashed by 328 mm (32.8 cm) of rain in the 24 hours to 8pm on the 24th.
Flooding
at
Pelorus River
Bacteria testing of the Pelorus River at Totara Flat showed levels soaring to 20,000 the day after the flooding.
Flooding
at
Rai Falls
Bacteria testing of the Rai River at Rai Falls recorded a contamination of 8,900 the day after the flooding.
Heavy Rain
Rai Falls recorded 266 mm (26.6 cm) of rain in 72 hours.
Flooding
at
Riwaka
There was surface flooding around the Riwaka Valley on the night of the 24th.
A house in Riwaka was flooded at 8.15pm on the 24th.
Flooding
at
Riwaka River (North Branch)
The Riwaka North River flow peaked at about 76 cumecs - the second highest on record, being only 200 m below the 1983 flood level.
Heavy Rain
at
Takaka
Takaka recorded 128 mm (12.8 cm) of rain on the 23rd.
Flooding
Takaka was the worst hit with flooding, with water flowing through the main streets. Water poured down Commercial St and seeped into three low-lying shops. One of the worst-hit buildings was The Dangerous Kitchen, where the water came all the way through the cafe.
Commercial St was closed to traffic.
It was described as the worst flood to hit Takaka since 1986. The owner of the Junction Hotel in Takaka said it was the worst she had seen in 25 years.
The flood peaked at 7.36pm on the 24th in Takaka.
Takaka was cut off from 4.45pm with both SH60 in the Takaka Valley and Waitapu Bridge towards Collingwood closed by heavy flooding.
Landslide
at
Totaranui
There were several slips on Totaranui Rd.
Heavy Rain
at
Upper Takaka
257 mm (25.7 cm) of rain fell above Upper Takaka.
Landslide
at
Uruwhenua
One family living at Craigieburn, near Urewhenua, was evacuated on the afternoon of the 24th because of a landslip behind their home. They returned home that night.
Flooding
at
Waimea River
There was surface flooding on areas of the Waimea Plains on the night of the 24th.
Flooding
at
Whangamoa homestead
A man was driving along SH6 on the Serpentine straight, about 10km north of Rai Valley, when the car he was driving plunged down an eight-metre bank into the flooded Collins River river and was swept 100 m downstream. After he got out of the car he was swept about another 100 m before managing to reach the bank. The man had been driving in torrential rain before losing control of his car.
West Coast
Flooding
at
West Coast
Downpours in the central West Coast caused some surface flooding.
Many roads on the West Coast were partially under water on the morning of the 25th.
SH 6 between Whataroa and Haast was closed from about 7pm on the 24th until the next morning due to serious surface flooding at Lake Wahapo.
High Wind / Gust
Strong winds blew down fences and trees.
Heavy Rain
Access to the glaciers was closed on the morning of the 25th because of the amount of ice melt.
Flooding
at
Arahura
The access bridge for construction workers at the Arahura Bridge was damaged by the flooding. The roads to the temporary bridge were also destroyed, but were quickly being rebuilt.
Heavy Rain
at
Cropp River
The Cropp River station recorded 991 mm (99.1 cm) of rain in three days from the 23rd to the 25th. This was a a one-in-20- to a one-in-50-year rainfall event.
The Cropp River station recorded 588 mm (58.8 cm) of rain on the 24th.
The Cropp River station recorded 48 mm (4.8 cm) of rain in one hour on the 24th.
Flooding
at
Dobson Creek
The Dobson River, 8 km from Greymouth was at alarm level one early on the 24th and later rose 60 cm over its first warning level to just over 4 m.
Flooding
at
Fox Glacier
About 70% of the Fox Glacier access road was washed away when the Fox River burst its banks on the 25th. A 300m stretch of road, including half the causeway and half the car parking area, was gone, leaving no vehicle access to the glacier area, although foot traffic was allowed. There was no access to the actual glacier and all of the Fox Glacier Valley was closed. Four cars were stranded in the carpark. Access to the Fox Glacier was restored by the 4th December.
Flooding
at
Garvey Creek
There was some surface water on roads at Garvey’s Creek near Reefton.
Heavy Rain
at
Greymouth
Greymouth had almost as much rain in one day, on the 24th, as it had for all of November 2007.
Greymouth aerodrome recorded 62.8 mm (6.3 cm) of rain in 24 hours on the 24th.
Flooding
The Grey River reached the first stage alarm level.
High Wind / Gust
Strong winds threatened some roofs in Greymouth.
Flooding
at
Hector
There was some surface water on roads around Hector.
Flooding
at
Mokihinui
A Mokihinui dairy farmer said half his paddocks were under water on the 24th.
Multi Hazard
at
Mount Hercules
Trees and slips were brought down on Mount Hercules, between Harihari and Whataroa.
Heavy Rain
at
Reefton
Reefton recorded 90 mm (9.0 cm) of rain on the 24th. This was a November record.
Flooding
at
Te Kuha
Torrential rain on the 24th pushed the Buller River at Te Kuha to 8.3 m at high tide at around 9pm that night - 90 cm above its stage one flood warning level.
Heavy Rain
at
Westport
By lunchtime on the 24th, 238.2 mm (23.8 cm) of rain had fallen in Westport during the month of November - over five times as much rain as for the whole of November the year before.
Canterbury
High Wind / Gust
at
Canterbury
Ferocious northwest winds hammered North Canterbury around midday on the 25th.
Heavy Rain
at
Arthur's Pass village
Arthur’s Pass received well over 300 mm (30 cm) of rain on the 24th.
At 6am on the 25th, 30 mm (3 cm) of rain an hour was still falling.
High Wind / Gust
at
Culverden
Extreme winds brought down trees and power lines near Culverden.
High Wind / Gust
at
Hanmer Springs
Extreme winds brought down trees and power lines near Hanmer.
Roofing iron was ripped from the roof of Scarborough Lodge and blown across the street, causing damage to cars.
Gusts of more than 130 km/hr roared across the town.
High Wind / Gust
at
Hundalee
Extreme winds brought down trees and power lines on SH1 around the Hundalees.
Otago
Heavy Rain
at
Otago
Two days of heavy rain across the Upper Clutha caused lake levels to rise.
Heavy Rain
at
Lake Hawea
Lake Hawea reached 342.64 m at 2pm on the 26th, up more than half a metre in the past two days.
Heavy Rain
at
Queenstown
Lake Wakatipu was 40cm away from reaching its first flood level at 2pm on the 26th, at a height of 310.40 m.
Heavy Rain
at
Wanaka
Lake Wanaka was at 278.50m above sea level at 2pm on the 26th - a rise of more than a metre since the 24th.
References
- Headline: Wild weather creates chaos in upper South Island.
- 3news.co.nz, Source: RadioLIVE, 24 November 2008, 9:50pm.
- Headline: Flooded Nelson residents start the long clean-up.
- 3news.co.nz, Source: 3 News and NZPA, 24 November 2008, 10:41pm.
- Headline: Coast mops up after deluge.
- www.greystar.co.nz, 25 November 2008.
- Headline: Glacier access road washed away.
- www.greystar.co.nz, 26 November 2008.
- Headline: Fox Glacier washout strands cars.
- www.greystar.co.nz, 27 November 2008.
- Headline: Arahura River damage no problem.
- www.greystar.co.nz, 27 November 2008.
- Headline: Fox Glacier road access restored.
- www.greystar.co.nz, 4 December 2008.
- Meteorological Society of New Zealand (Inc.). (2008). Climate summary for spring 2008. Newsletter 115, December 2008. 12-22
- Headline: November rain five times last year’s.
- The News, 24 November 2008.
- Headline: Torrential rain swells Coast rivers.
- The News, 25 November 2008.
- Headline: Heavy rain moves in.
- www.newstalkzb.co.nz, 23 November 2008, 1:20pm.
- Headline: Schools closed by weather in Golden Bay.
- www.newstalkzb.co.nz, 24 November 2008, 2:40pm.
- Headline: Further rain forecast for tonight.
- www.newstalkzb.co.nz, 24 November 2008, 3:08pm.
- Headline: Nelson gets a dousing.
- www.newstalkzb.co.nz, 25 November 2008, 9:20am.
- Headline: Heavy rain and wind strike today.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, 24 November 2008, 4:00am.
- Headline: Motorists warned after storm leaves South Island roads treacherous.
- www.nzherald.co.nz, Source: NZPA and Newstalk ZB, 25 November 2008, 11:41am.
- Headline: Wild weather starts to ease.
- www.odt.co.nz, 25 November 2008, 2:32pm.
- Headline: Lakes approach flood alert levels.
- www.odt.co.nz, 27 November 2008, 5:00am.
- Headline: Stormy weather bringing downpours, strong winds.
- www.radionz.co.nz, 24 November 2008, 3:59pm.
- Headline: Chilly weather follows summer storms.
- www.radionz.co.nz, 25 November 2008, 8:12am.
- Headline: Heavy rain, high winds to lash country.
- www.stuff.co.nz, 24 November 2008.
- Headline: Another spring blast of wind and rain.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Dominion Post, 25 November 2008.
- Headline: Rain causes havoc.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Marlborough Express, 25 November 2008.
- Headline: Floods won't keep boy from mum.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Marlborough Express, 26 November 2008.
- Headline: Swimmers warned to avoid rivers.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Marlborough Express, 17 December 2008.
- Headline: Rising waters spark emergency alert.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Nelson Mail, 24 November 2008.
- Headline: Driver swims away.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Nelson Mail, 25 November 2008.
- Headline: Takaka hit by worst flooding in 20 years.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Nelson Mail, 25 November 2008.
- Headline: Flood an opportunity to test new emergency plan.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Nelson Mail, 26 November 2008.
- Headline: Tasman flood damage tops $900,000.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Nelson Mail, 28 November 2008.
- Headline: Opening the floodgates of opinion.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Nelson Mail, 13 December 2008.
- Headline: West Coast soaked as Canterbury fries.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: The Press, 25 November 2008.
- Headline: Nelson man carried 100m in raging torrent.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: The Press, 26 November 2008.
- Headline: Floods, high winds cause damage in south.
- www.stuff.co.nz, Source: Fairfax Media in The Press, 25 November 2008.
- Headline: Rain lashes the upper South Island.
- tvnz.co.nz, Source: ONE News, 24 November 2008, 7:40pm.
- Headline: Weather keeps services busy.
- tvnz.co.nz, Source: ONE News, 25 November 2008, 6:43am.
- Headline: Flood cuts Fox Glacier access road.
- tvnz.co.nz, Source: ONE News, 27 November 2008, 7:48pm.
- MetService Email Lists