HEAVY DOWNPOUR LAST NIGHT

Northern Advocate, 23 June 1937, Page 4

HEAVY DOWNPOUR LAST NIGHT

Two And A Half Inches In Whangarei After a spell of fine weather, characterised by several brilliant days, the weather broken in Whangarei last night, and became a deluge in the early hours of the morning. Shortly after midnight the rain descended in a tropical flood, waking many people by the intensity of the fall, and at 9 o’clock this morning the total fall recorded in the town was 2.50 in for the 24 hours. Fortunately the tide was high early this morning, and, although the rivers were running bank high, much of the water was carried safely away. Shortly before noon today it was reported that the Auckland road was clear, as was the Dargaville road. There were 6 inches of water over the road at Hukerenui this morning and , water covered the road in several places further north. Water Still Rising, The A.A. reported this afternoon that water was rising on all roads affected by floods. At Waiomio, Hukerenui and , on the northern side of Kawakawa there was water over the roads. At Waima, traffic is held up. The Mangakahia was clear at noon, but the water was rising fast. The Russell road is flooded at Whakapara. ' The Auckland and Dargaville roads are not affected.

At Ohaeawai, near the old dairy factory, a bridge was three feet under water this morning, but it is receding. Very heavy rain fell in the areas last night. The Mangakahia was clear this morning, but the A.A. is not advising traffic, as a great deal of rain has fallen in the locality. No traffic to the North is advised in the meantime. Heavy Fall in Bay. During the past 24 hours heavy rain has fallen in the Bay of Islands, Hokianga and Whangaroa counties. At Kaikohe 3.65 inches of rain fell from 9 a.m. yesterday to 9 a.m. today. Last night the rain was accompanied by thunder and a vivid lightning display. The local A.A, patrol, Mr J. Verran, advises that all main highways in the district are impassable, owing to flooding in the low-lying portions. It was still raining solidly this morning in Kaikohe. Water Over Roads. There was a rainfall at Kaitaia last night of 2.35 inches, and this morning flood conditions prevailed in many parts. Water was over • the road several feet deep at the Fairburn store, and rain was still falling. Low-lying meadow land at Ahipara is covered with water, which was also over the road, in places. Some farmers, anticipating worse conditions, have removed stock to high country. There is no prospect of traffic between Kaitaia and Mangonui today.' At Double Crossing, the river had overflowed its banks at 10 o’clock this morning, and was gradually covering Powell’s farm, with every prospect of rising above the road level.