SEVERE STORM

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26980, 15 January 1949, Page 8

SEVERE STORM

GALE AND HEAVY RAIN DAMAGE TO SMALL CRAFT PA AUCKLAND. Jan. 14. The east coast of the North Auckland area took the brunt of a storm, apparently the tail end of the cyclone experienced in Australia early this week, which continued throughout Thursday night arid this morning Flooded roads, high tides, and a trail of damaged small craft were left in its wake. Nearly four inches of rain fell in North Auckland from Wednesday evening to 9 o’clock this morning. All main roads south from Kaitaia were blocked for some time by floods, but the water later receded sufficiently to enable traffic to proceed. A gale caused widespread minor damage on the northern peninsula. Power lines were brought down and telephonic communication, particularly to Auckland, was affected. Trees were uprooted and branches snapped. Sheds and fences were destroyed, wireless masts were brought down and chimneys were damaged. In the North Auckland Power Board’s area many districts were without electricity for considerable periods. Both cargo vessels and pleasure craft returning to Auckland after holiday cruises in the north had to seek shelter. Small craft broke away from their moorings. The wind whipped up a high sea which pounded in even to comparatively sheltered positions and high tide flooded beach roads at many points. Campers had an unpleasant time, and tents in exposed places were blown down