NZ Historic Weather Events Catalogue
October 1892 Lower North Island and West Coast Storm ( 1892-10-13 )
Heavy rain over the West Coast melted snow and caused flooding resulting in one casualty. High winds and heavy rain caused disruption to railways in the lower North Island.
Manawatu-Wanganui
Heavy Rain
at
Pahiatua
Late on the night of the 14th heavy rain fell all through the district.
Flooding
The flood was caused by the warm rain melting the large quantity of snow that was on the ranges.
Rivers and creeks were considerably higher than they had been all through the winter.
The coach from Eketahuna was delayed on the afternoon of the 15th. In some places driver had to get out to clear away logs.
At the Makakahi Chester factory some 3 ft (91cm) of water was in the building.
Makakahi River overflowed its banks at several places.
One family living near the Makakahi River had to remove to Pahiatua.
Nearly completed road protection works on the main road near Makakahi River was carried away along with a large portion of the bank close by.
For some miles around the Makakahi district, nothing could be seen but a large sheet of water.
At the mouth of Makakahi River, where it empties into the Mangatainoko, fully 1000 acres (405ha) of land were under water.
Two or three bush camps were washed out.
It was reported that a large number of sheep drowned at Tutaekara.
Wellington
High Wind / Gust
at
Wellington
It was the fiercest north westerly gale experienced in Wellington for some years.
The gale started blowing on the night of the 14th and blew itself out on the afternoon of the 16th.
Fences, hoardings, windows were damaged.
Some of the boats in the harbour were knocked about.
The opening of boating season and cricket season was postponed.
Gale caused some damage in the more elevated part of Hawker Street.
A heavier squall than usual burst upon Lorimer House. It wrenched a substantially built balcony from its foundations, carried it bodily over the residence and hurled it into Shannon Street.
An electric lightning pole close by was almost blown down and the wires snapped.
Northerly gale subsided by the evening of the 16th but on the morning of the 17th rain set in again from the south but without wind.
Several telegraph poles were blown down between the city and Crofton and the telegraph line was interrupted.
Landslide
Slips on the Gorge line were cleared away and traffic resumed on 17th.
Flooding
at
Hutt Valley
Hutt River was in heavy flood on the 16th.
At Silverstream the Hutt River was said to have risen over 9 ft (2.74m) above normal level, inundating the road in several parts.
Portions of the Lower Hutt road and the property adjacent to the river were also under water.
A few sheep were reported to have drowned at Waiwhetu.
Heavy Rain
at
Rimutaka Ranges
The Summit recorded 6in (15.24cm) of rain between the 14th and the 16th.
On the morning of the 16th it was still raining heavily.
Landslide
Six serious landslips occurred on a railway line between the Upper Hutt and Cross Creek on the 15th and the 16th. It resulted in total stoppage of railway traffic.
The down train on the night of the 15th was blocked by a slip and delayed for nearly two and a half hours.
A slip took place approximately half a mile on Upper Hutt side of Kaitoke.
Two other slips blocked the rail line in the vicinity of the tunnel in Pakuratahi Gully.
One slip fell close to entrance of the big tunnel at the Summit.
The largest slip covered a large portion of the line on the Incline between the big tunnel and Cross Creek.
Landslide
at
Featherston
Train to town was stuck in Featherston owing to slips on the hill.
Flooding
Ruamahanga River overflowed its banks.
High Wind / Gust
at
Greytown
The wind on the night of the 15th was furious.
Flooding
Warm rain brought down the snow from the ranges, which flooded the rivers.
Low lands were covered with water, but damage was small.
Heavy Rain
at
Eketahuna
Eketahuna recorded 5 in (12.7cm) of rain from the 15th to the night of the 16th night.
Flooding
at
Masterton
Rivers in the district were in a high state of flood on the 16th, but no serious damage was reported.
The recent storm caused a great rise in all the Wairarapa rivers.
Considerable damage to roads occurred in some parts.
All low lying country was flooded.
The main damage was on main road between Masterton and Carterton, where the approach to the bridge over Waingawa River was washed away.
West Coast
Heavy Rain
at
West Coast
Weather on the West Coast during the 14th and 15th was very severe and rain throughout the district was very heavy.
Multi Hazard
Telegraph communication with Christchurch was interrupted on the morning of the 16th.
Flooding
The Christchurch coach headed for West Coast was detained by floods.
Heavy Rain
at
Hokitika
Duration: 3 days - Weather had been threatening for some days but it broke on the night of the 13th and was raining incessantly until the 15th. It was accompanied by strong wind from the north-west. On the night of the 15th the storms became less frequent and the weather gradually moderated until the afternoon of the 16th. The wind changed to the south west direction and the rain gradually ceased.
On the 15th rain culminated in one of the fiercest storms experienced there for some time.
Flooding
On the night of the 14th the Hokitika River was very flooded and the water was rising fast.
The river was cutting away the spit at northern training wall.
When flood reached its height on the evening of the 15th the waters had a clean sweep to sea.
The river backed up water in drains and the lower portions of Tancred, Sewell and the neighbouring streets were under water in several places.
Multi Hazard
There were no shipping movements at port on the 14th til the 16th.
Heavy Rain
at
Greymouth
Down the Grey Valley there had been heavy rain and all streams were in high flood.
Flooding
Greymouth mail didn't get through on the 15th owing to an obstruction on the tramline between Greymouth and the Teremakau.
No damage was sustained in Greymouth although some was reported from up country.
The Grey River rose steadily and the water was 2 ft (61cm) below the wharf on the 16th.
Early in evening the water was all round Post and Telegraph Offices.
Albert St to Arney St was under water.
1 ft (30cm) of water was running through the Argus Office and 18in (46cm) of water was in the County Council Chambers.
Flooding
at
Arahura
The bridge at the Upper Arahura River crossing was impassable for traffic. The island connecting the two portions of bridge was partially washed away by flood on the 15th.
Flooding
at
Lake Brunner
The Midland Railway Works near Lake Brunner sustained damage.
Flooding
at
Red Jacks
Red Jack's bridge was damaged.
Flooding
at
Duffers Creek
A man was smothered by water rushing into the man hole of a tunnel at Duffer's Creek.
Flooding
at
Upper Grey Valley
Numbers of cows, horses and sheep were swept to sea from the Upper Grey Valley.
Flooding
at
Coal Creek
Coal Creek flat and the race course were under water, with cattle and horses swimming for high ground.
Heavy Rain
at
Westport
Duration: 4 days - Extraordinarily heavy rain fell on the 14th and 15th. It was also raining on the 16th and 17th.
Telegraphic communication was stopped until the morning of the 17th.
Low lying parts of the town were flooded, but no great damage done.
Flood in the Buller River was the biggest seen for years. It was said to have never been so high since 1877.
The approaches and culverts were washed away in many places and the rail line was flooded for miles.
Captain Waller of the Brunner said it was the worst experienced by him in that quarter for some time past. His vessel lay off Westport bar for 12 hours waiting to cross and finally had to pass on.
Immense quantities of logs and timber were floating about, extending over a distance of some miles.
Landslide
The main Buller road suffered considerable damage from slips. A portion of the road was washed completely away in one place and all traffic in that direction was stopped.
Multi Hazard
Shipping was still at a standstill on the 17th.
Heavy Rain
at
Reefton
Incessant rain took place there all day on the 15th. On the 16th the weather was still bad, although the rain had lessened. The weather appeared to be clearing on the 17th.
Flooding
Inangahua River was in flood. But despite the amount of rain, the Inangahua River had not been remarkably high.
Inangahua River was too high to allow the coach to cross on the punt.
Multi Hazard
The telegraph line between Reefton and Westport was interrupted, probably from a fallen tree.
The road between Reefton and Westport was blocked with landslips and fallen trees. In some places it was washed away entirely.
It was four days before mail could be taken by horseback and 10 days before a coach was able to get through.
Landslide
Numerous slips occurred between Lyell and the Inangahua Junction.
Flooding
at
Larrys Creek
The mail coach for Westport on on the morning of the 15th had to return as it was unable to cross Larry's Creek.
Landslide
at
Waimangaroa
Railway traffic was stopped until the morning of the 17th by slips of 2000 tons on the line between Waimangaroa and Conns Creek.
Multi Hazard
at
Ngakawau
Repairs to the Ngakawau section of the railway will not be completed till the 19th.
References
- Headline: By Telegraph: Featherston, This Day.
- paperspast.natlib.govt.nz, Source: Evening Post, 17 October 1892.
- Headline: By Telegraph: Greytown North, This Day.
- paperspast.natlib.govt.nz, Source: Evening Post, 17 October 1892.
- Headline: By Telegraph: Masterton, This Day.
- paperspast.natlib.govt.nz, Source: Evening Post, 17 October 1892.
- Headline: By Telegraph: Pahiatua, This Day.
- paperspast.natlib.govt.nz, Source: Evening Post, 17 October 1892.
- Headline: By Telegraph: Westport, This Day.
- paperspast.natlib.govt.nz, Source: Evening Post, 17 October 1892.
- Headline: The Weather.
- paperspast.natlib.govt.nz, Source: Evening Post, 17 October 1892.
- Headline: Untitled.
- paperspast.natlib.govt.nz, Source: Evening Post, 17 October 1892.
- Headline: Shipping.
- paperspast.natlib.govt.nz, Source: West Coast Times, 15 October 1892.
- Headline: Untitled.
- paperspast.natlib.govt.nz, Source: West Coast Times, 15 October 1892.
- Headline: Greymouth Floods.
- paperspast.natlib.govt.nz, Source: West Coast Times, 17 October 1892.
- Headline: Shipping.
- paperspast.natlib.govt.nz, Source: West Coast Times, 17 October 1892.
- Headline: Telegraphic News: Reefton, Oct 15.
- paperspast.natlib.govt.nz, Source: West Coast Times, 17 October 1892.
- Headline: Telegraphic News: Reefton, Oct 16.
- paperspast.natlib.govt.nz, Source: West Coast Times, 17 October 1892.
- Headline: Telegraphic News: Reefton, Oct 17.
- paperspast.natlib.govt.nz, Source: West Coast Times, 17 October 1892.
- Headline: Telegraphic News: Wellington, Oct 15.
- paperspast.natlib.govt.nz, Source: West Coast Times, 17 October 1892.
- Headline: Telegraphic News: Wellington, Oct 16.
- paperspast.natlib.govt.nz, Source: West Coast Times, 17 October 1892.
- Headline: Telegraphic News: Wellington, Oct 17.
- paperspast.natlib.govt.nz, Source: West Coast Times, 17 October 1892.
- Headline: Untitled.
- paperspast.natlib.govt.nz, Source: West Coast Times, 17 October 1892.
- Headline: Untitled.
- paperspast.natlib.govt.nz, Source: West Coast Times, 18 October 1892.
October 1892 Lower North Island and West Coast Storm ( 1892-10-13 )
Heavy rain over the West Coast melted snow and caused flooding resulting in one casualty. High winds and heavy rain caused disruption to railways in the lower North Island.
Manawatu-Wanganui
Heavy Rain
at
Pahiatua
Late on the night of the 14th heavy rain fell all through the district.
Flooding
The flood was caused by the warm rain melting the large quantity of snow that was on the ranges.
Rivers and creeks were considerably higher than they had been all through the winter.
The coach from Eketahuna was delayed on the afternoon of the 15th. In some places driver had to get out to clear away logs.
At the Makakahi Chester factory some 3 ft (91cm) of water was in the building.
Makakahi River overflowed its banks at several places.
One family living near the Makakahi River had to remove to Pahiatua.
Nearly completed road protection works on the main road near Makakahi River was carried away along with a large portion of the bank close by.
For some miles around the Makakahi district, nothing could be seen but a large sheet of water.
At the mouth of Makakahi River, where it empties into the Mangatainoko, fully 1000 acres (405ha) of land were under water.
Two or three bush camps were washed out.
It was reported that a large number of sheep drowned at Tutaekara.
Wellington
High Wind / Gust
at
Wellington
It was the fiercest north westerly gale experienced in Wellington for some years.
The gale started blowing on the night of the 14th and blew itself out on the afternoon of the 16th.
Fences, hoardings, windows were damaged.
Some of the boats in the harbour were knocked about.
The opening of boating season and cricket season was postponed.
Gale caused some damage in the more elevated part of Hawker Street.
A heavier squall than usual burst upon Lorimer House. It wrenched a substantially built balcony from its foundations, carried it bodily over the residence and hurled it into Shannon Street.
An electric lightning pole close by was almost blown down and the wires snapped.
Northerly gale subsided by the evening of the 16th but on the morning of the 17th rain set in again from the south but without wind.
Several telegraph poles were blown down between the city and Crofton and the telegraph line was interrupted.
Landslide
Slips on the Gorge line were cleared away and traffic resumed on 17th.
Flooding
at
Hutt Valley
Hutt River was in heavy flood on the 16th.
At Silverstream the Hutt River was said to have risen over 9 ft (2.74m) above normal level, inundating the road in several parts.
Portions of the Lower Hutt road and the property adjacent to the river were also under water.
A few sheep were reported to have drowned at Waiwhetu.
Heavy Rain
at
Rimutaka Ranges
The Summit recorded 6in (15.24cm) of rain between the 14th and the 16th.
On the morning of the 16th it was still raining heavily.
Landslide
Six serious landslips occurred on a railway line between the Upper Hutt and Cross Creek on the 15th and the 16th. It resulted in total stoppage of railway traffic.
The down train on the night of the 15th was blocked by a slip and delayed for nearly two and a half hours.
A slip took place approximately half a mile on Upper Hutt side of Kaitoke.
Two other slips blocked the rail line in the vicinity of the tunnel in Pakuratahi Gully.
One slip fell close to entrance of the big tunnel at the Summit.
The largest slip covered a large portion of the line on the Incline between the big tunnel and Cross Creek.
Landslide
at
Featherston
Train to town was stuck in Featherston owing to slips on the hill.
Flooding
Ruamahanga River overflowed its banks.
High Wind / Gust
at
Greytown
The wind on the night of the 15th was furious.
Flooding
Warm rain brought down the snow from the ranges, which flooded the rivers.
Low lands were covered with water, but damage was small.
Heavy Rain
at
Eketahuna
Eketahuna recorded 5 in (12.7cm) of rain from the 15th to the night of the 16th night.
Flooding
at
Masterton
Rivers in the district were in a high state of flood on the 16th, but no serious damage was reported.
The recent storm caused a great rise in all the Wairarapa rivers.
Considerable damage to roads occurred in some parts.
All low lying country was flooded.
The main damage was on main road between Masterton and Carterton, where the approach to the bridge over Waingawa River was washed away.
West Coast
Heavy Rain
at
West Coast
Weather on the West Coast during the 14th and 15th was very severe and rain throughout the district was very heavy.
Multi Hazard
Telegraph communication with Christchurch was interrupted on the morning of the 16th.
Flooding
The Christchurch coach headed for West Coast was detained by floods.
Heavy Rain
at
Hokitika
Duration: 3 days - Weather had been threatening for some days but it broke on the night of the 13th and was raining incessantly until the 15th. It was accompanied by strong wind from the north-west. On the night of the 15th the storms became less frequent and the weather gradually moderated until the afternoon of the 16th. The wind changed to the south west direction and the rain gradually ceased.
On the 15th rain culminated in one of the fiercest storms experienced there for some time.
Flooding
On the night of the 14th the Hokitika River was very flooded and the water was rising fast.
The river was cutting away the spit at northern training wall.
When flood reached its height on the evening of the 15th the waters had a clean sweep to sea.
The river backed up water in drains and the lower portions of Tancred, Sewell and the neighbouring streets were under water in several places.
Multi Hazard
There were no shipping movements at port on the 14th til the 16th.
Heavy Rain
at
Greymouth
Down the Grey Valley there had been heavy rain and all streams were in high flood.
Flooding
Greymouth mail didn't get through on the 15th owing to an obstruction on the tramline between Greymouth and the Teremakau.
No damage was sustained in Greymouth although some was reported from up country.
The Grey River rose steadily and the water was 2 ft (61cm) below the wharf on the 16th.
Early in evening the water was all round Post and Telegraph Offices.
Albert St to Arney St was under water.
1 ft (30cm) of water was running through the Argus Office and 18in (46cm) of water was in the County Council Chambers.
Flooding
at
Arahura
The bridge at the Upper Arahura River crossing was impassable for traffic. The island connecting the two portions of bridge was partially washed away by flood on the 15th.
Flooding
at
Lake Brunner
The Midland Railway Works near Lake Brunner sustained damage.
Flooding
at
Red Jacks
Red Jack's bridge was damaged.
Flooding
at
Duffers Creek
A man was smothered by water rushing into the man hole of a tunnel at Duffer's Creek.
Flooding
at
Upper Grey Valley
Numbers of cows, horses and sheep were swept to sea from the Upper Grey Valley.
Flooding
at
Coal Creek
Coal Creek flat and the race course were under water, with cattle and horses swimming for high ground.
Heavy Rain
at
Westport
Duration: 4 days - Extraordinarily heavy rain fell on the 14th and 15th. It was also raining on the 16th and 17th.
Telegraphic communication was stopped until the morning of the 17th.
Low lying parts of the town were flooded, but no great damage done.
Flood in the Buller River was the biggest seen for years. It was said to have never been so high since 1877.
The approaches and culverts were washed away in many places and the rail line was flooded for miles.
Captain Waller of the Brunner said it was the worst experienced by him in that quarter for some time past. His vessel lay off Westport bar for 12 hours waiting to cross and finally had to pass on.
Immense quantities of logs and timber were floating about, extending over a distance of some miles.
Landslide
The main Buller road suffered considerable damage from slips. A portion of the road was washed completely away in one place and all traffic in that direction was stopped.
Multi Hazard
Shipping was still at a standstill on the 17th.
Heavy Rain
at
Reefton
Incessant rain took place there all day on the 15th. On the 16th the weather was still bad, although the rain had lessened. The weather appeared to be clearing on the 17th.
Flooding
Inangahua River was in flood. But despite the amount of rain, the Inangahua River had not been remarkably high.
Inangahua River was too high to allow the coach to cross on the punt.
Multi Hazard
The telegraph line between Reefton and Westport was interrupted, probably from a fallen tree.
The road between Reefton and Westport was blocked with landslips and fallen trees. In some places it was washed away entirely.
It was four days before mail could be taken by horseback and 10 days before a coach was able to get through.
Landslide
Numerous slips occurred between Lyell and the Inangahua Junction.
Flooding
at
Larrys Creek
The mail coach for Westport on on the morning of the 15th had to return as it was unable to cross Larry's Creek.
Landslide
at
Waimangaroa
Railway traffic was stopped until the morning of the 17th by slips of 2000 tons on the line between Waimangaroa and Conns Creek.
Multi Hazard
at
Ngakawau
Repairs to the Ngakawau section of the railway will not be completed till the 19th.
References
- Headline: By Telegraph: Featherston, This Day.
- paperspast.natlib.govt.nz, Source: Evening Post, 17 October 1892.
- Headline: By Telegraph: Greytown North, This Day.
- paperspast.natlib.govt.nz, Source: Evening Post, 17 October 1892.
- Headline: By Telegraph: Masterton, This Day.
- paperspast.natlib.govt.nz, Source: Evening Post, 17 October 1892.
- Headline: By Telegraph: Pahiatua, This Day.
- paperspast.natlib.govt.nz, Source: Evening Post, 17 October 1892.
- Headline: By Telegraph: Westport, This Day.
- paperspast.natlib.govt.nz, Source: Evening Post, 17 October 1892.
- Headline: The Weather.
- paperspast.natlib.govt.nz, Source: Evening Post, 17 October 1892.
- Headline: Untitled.
- paperspast.natlib.govt.nz, Source: Evening Post, 17 October 1892.
- Headline: Shipping.
- paperspast.natlib.govt.nz, Source: West Coast Times, 15 October 1892.
- Headline: Untitled.
- paperspast.natlib.govt.nz, Source: West Coast Times, 15 October 1892.
- Headline: Greymouth Floods.
- paperspast.natlib.govt.nz, Source: West Coast Times, 17 October 1892.
- Headline: Shipping.
- paperspast.natlib.govt.nz, Source: West Coast Times, 17 October 1892.
- Headline: Telegraphic News: Reefton, Oct 15.
- paperspast.natlib.govt.nz, Source: West Coast Times, 17 October 1892.
- Headline: Telegraphic News: Reefton, Oct 16.
- paperspast.natlib.govt.nz, Source: West Coast Times, 17 October 1892.
- Headline: Telegraphic News: Reefton, Oct 17.
- paperspast.natlib.govt.nz, Source: West Coast Times, 17 October 1892.
- Headline: Telegraphic News: Wellington, Oct 15.
- paperspast.natlib.govt.nz, Source: West Coast Times, 17 October 1892.
- Headline: Telegraphic News: Wellington, Oct 16.
- paperspast.natlib.govt.nz, Source: West Coast Times, 17 October 1892.
- Headline: Telegraphic News: Wellington, Oct 17.
- paperspast.natlib.govt.nz, Source: West Coast Times, 17 October 1892.
- Headline: Untitled.
- paperspast.natlib.govt.nz, Source: West Coast Times, 17 October 1892.
- Headline: Untitled.
- paperspast.natlib.govt.nz, Source: West Coast Times, 18 October 1892.