FLOODING IN NORTH AUCKLAND: ROADS BLOCKED, AREAS ISOLATED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22695, 21 July 1948, Page 6

FLOODING IN NORTH AUCKLAND: ROADS BLOCKED, AREAS ISOLATED

(P A _) AUCKLAND, July 21. Torrential rain and winds of gale force were experienced throughout North Auckland yesterday. Many main and secondary roads north of AMiangarei were blocked by flood waters, and slips and flooding occurred in Russell-

The daily Northland air servi and conditions at Auckland inter!'

ice from Auckland was cancelled, 'cred with southern air timetables.

More than 1000 acres of land in the Ilikurang'i swamp area is under water and stock on low-lying farms have been moved to higher ground. Railway movements were not affected. Since the rain began at Whangarei on Sunday the fall has been a total of 4.49 in. Of this, 2.19 in. was recorded up to yesterday morning and a further 2.30 in. fell during the day. This is the heaviest fall experienced in Whangarei since April. 1947, when s.BCin. was registered in three days. At Kaikohc the day's fall was 2.Min. Even heavier rain has occurred in other North Auckland districts. The business and central residential area of Russell was Hooded after continuous heavy rain. Although water did not enter houses, goods were damaged in stores and croquet, bowling and tennis courts were all submerged. Winds of gale strength lashed the Bay of Islands and Hie Russell-Paihia launch service was cancelled. All roads from Whangarei to the far north were closed yesterday afternoon. The South Hokianga area was also isolated. The weather cleared throughout the north during the afternoon and reports late last night showed that the Hood waters were receding rapidly and that the main roads should be open this morning.

In Auckland strong winds and driving rain were experienced all day. South of Auckland rain was general over a wide area with high winds in western districts.