HEAVY RAIN ON WEST COAST

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27040, 15 May 1953, Page 10

HEAVY RAIN ON WEST COAST

LOW-LYING AREAS INUNDATED

GREY AND BULLER RIVERS IN FLOOD

(From Our Own Reporter) GREYMOUTH, May 14. Low-lying streets in Greymouth were flooded and several creeks and lagoons in the town and the surrounding diStriots overflowed their banks, as the result of heavy overnight and early morning rain throughout most of toe Westland province. The Grey river reached its highest flood peak level for more than 12 months today. At times the river was running at more than eight knots. A change from, northerly to southerly conditions this morning prevented any possibility pf full-scale flooding. The main highway to Reefton was blocked just beyond Ngahere, and traffic had to be diverted to a former road route leading to Nelson' creek. A total of 2.05 in of rain was recorded at Karoro and 2.15 in at Tiphead. With a satisfactory depth of 25ft 6in on the Grey river bar further freshes are not required at present; The fresh running at present will most likely shoal up berthages, but it will also benefit the bar depth. During the 24 hours ended 9 a.m. today 3.21 in of rain was recorded at the Westport signal station, but this amount was probably exceeded in the town, where water tables and the lowlying area Where the State housing block is situated between Derby ana Domett streets, was fldbded. The Buller river was in high flood today, indicating heavy rain in the back county, the flood running at 10 knots during the morning. A high sea is running on the harbour entrance and the port is unworkable.

The possibility that the flood will scour out Silt deposits on the bar is remote, however, as there is a strong westerly set across the entrance.