CHANGE IN WEATHER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22215, 16 September 1935, Page 8

CHANGE IN WEATHER

HEAVY RAIN EXPERIENCED WHOLE PROVINCE AFFECTED FLOODS FEARED IN NORTH Rain commenced to fall throughout the Auckland Province yesterday and in most districts was continuing at a late hour last night. In the evening the fall increased in intensity, both in the city and in country districts, being accompanied by a strong wind and, in places, thunder and lightning. The rain fa I*wed four days of ideal weather. In the city Saturday was fine and sunny, with a light breeze varying between south-west and northwest. Yesterday the wind was light easterly, and cloudy, threatening conditions in the morning were followed by steady light rain during the afternoon. A strong wind commenced early in the evening, and brought with it heavy, driving rain, which was continuing at a late hour. The rainfall in Auckland for the 24 hours ended midnight last night was .67in., all of which fell within 12 hours. The barometer, which had been steady at SO.lOin. on Friday, commenced falling at midnight on Saturday, and by last night a fall of ,30in. had been recorded.

At Whangarei, rain, which was torrential at times, set in at about six o'clock last evening and was still falling at a late hour. There was a strong north-easterly wind and occasional thunder.

Reports from the districts between Whangarei and Kawakawa were that heavy rain had commenced late in the afternoon, and gave every indication of continuing. Settlers feared further flooding, as the rivers and streams were rising rapidly, and at about 10 o'clock last night some were bankhigh. No damage had been reported. Wet weather was experienced at the Pay of Islands during the weekend. and delayed the loading of the Federal Line steamer Surrey, which arrived at Opua from New Plymouth on Saturday morning. The vessel was expected to leave for Auckland to-day to complete loading for Great Britain, but, owing to the delay, she will not leave until to-morrow.

A report from Dargaville stated that rain commenced yesterday and was falling steadily last night. In the Hamilton and Rotorua districts similar conditions were being experienced. A Rotorua message stated that rain began to fall steadfly at seven o'clock. At Hamilton warm rain set in early last evening.