New Zealand – Heavy Rain Brings More Floods to North Island

An area of low pressure containing high levels of tropical moisture left over from the remnants of Cyclone Debbie resulted in torrential rain in parts of northern New Zealand from 04 April, 2017.

Cyclone Debbie and its aftermath caused major flooding in parts of Queensland and New South Wales, Australia, over the last few days. At least 6 people have died in the floods.

In New Zealand, the heavy rain and strong winds caused havoc in wide areas of North Island stretching from Auckland to Wellington.

According to WMO figures, Tauranga recorded 112 mm of rain in 24 hours between 04 and 05 April. Taupo recorded 74 mm, Gisborne 60.2 mm and Auckland 75 mm during the same period.

Over 100 schools were closed and 92 early learning centres, affecting 13,725 students according to local media.

A power cut in south Auckland affected thousands of homes. Numerous roads were closed and a landslide isolated a number of homes in Titirangi, in south west Auckland. Part of a cliff collapsed in Kohimarama as a result of the rain.

CDEM staff & a geotech engineer are on the way to Landing Rd, Titirangi, where a slip has isolated residents. People are safe. pic.twitter.com/jO9oPCQ7K1

— Auckland CDEM (@AucklandCDEM) April 5, 2017

This photo taken by our geotech specialist shows the back of a Kohimarama property where a cliff collapsed in last night's torrential rains. pic.twitter.com/mAZyTP1Id1

— Auckland CDEM (@AucklandCDEM) April 4, 2017

At one point all flights at Wellington Airport were suspended due to the severe weather. Staff worked through the evening to get services back to normal. Earlier today Wellington Airport said:

“Flights will be operating this morning. Expect some delays following last nights cancellations and diversions. Check flight status on web.”

Flights will be operating this morning. Expect some delays following last nights cancellations and diversions. Check flight status on web.

— Wellington Airport (@WLGAirport) April 5, 2017

Manawatu-Wanganui Region

Two districts of Whanganui and Rangitikei, both in Manawatu-Wanganui Region have declared states of emergency ahead of expected flooding. Around 170 people evacuated their homes in Whanganui.

Regional emergency management officials said that the region is bracing for further heavy rainfall in the Ruapehu, upper Rangitikei and Whanganui catchments, which is likely to increase river levels.

Controller Craig Grant said:

“The main river systems we are keeping an eye on are the Whanganui, Whangaehu and Turakina. We are now expecting Whanganui River at Pipiriki to reach a 11.2m peak at 3am which will result in a 7.7m peak at Town Bridge at 8am.

“The Whangaehu is expected to reach a peak of 8.3m at 8.30am and the Turakina is expected to peak at 6.8m at 1.30pm. Whanganui District Council’s Emergency Coordination Centre will remain operational overnight as well.”

Local media say that police are investigating reports a person is missing on the swollen Waikato River.

Remnants of Cyclone Debbie

Earlier in the week Meteorological Service of New Zealand warned that severe weather weather conditions could affect all parts of the country until Thursday or beyond.

The service said that heavy rain and strong winds was expected in many areas, especially from Tuesday to Thursday, as a deepening low containing loads of tropical moisture left over from the remnants of Cyclone Debbie moves across the country.

The highest rainfall accumulations are likely to be in the central and lower North Island and the upper South Island, but everywhere has the potential to see heavy rain at some point.

“This system will impact almost the entire country,” said Metservice Meteorologist Stephen Glassey. “The upper North Island which is still sodden from recent heavy rain events in March, is likely to see more heavy downpours on Wednesday, but they will get rain at other times too.”

“Strong winds are also expected in most places, but it is important to note that this weather system bears very little resemblance to a tropical cyclone other than the fact that it contains loads of tropical moisture that brings with it the potential for heavy rain,” added Glassey.

Floods in March, 2017

The recent heavy rain follows an extremely wet March in northern parts of New Zealand. Areas around Auckland, Northland and Waikato were flooded in March after several days of heavy rain.

On 08 March Golden Valley in Coromandel recorded over 250 mm of rain in 24 hours. The Wairoa River near Clevedon rose by around 5 metres in just a few hours.

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