GALE IN THE NORTH.

Otago Witness, Issue 3336, 20 February 1918, Page 18

GALE IN THE NORTH.

AUCKLAND, February 15. A fierce easterly gale prevailed last night, accompanied by heavy rain, which caused coastal shipping to remain in shelter. Exceptionally high tides were experienced in tho harbour, and the jetties, which normally are 7ft above high-water, were only 18in clear, while the lower parts of some of tho jetties were submerged. A number of small craft were damaged. The yacht Alex was swamped at the beach at Devonport. The yacht's mast struck an electric light cable, causing a short circuit, and the borough was in darkness for one hour. OPOTIKI, • February 15. A storm of exceptional severity is raging on the coast, accompanied by tides of record height. The sea has covered parts of the road between Opotiki and Ohiwa, washing up lof-s and obstructing traffic. Several yards of the right bank of the Ohiwa Harbour, used for traffic to the wharf, have been washed away. The steamers Ngatinwa and Tasmon afo sheltering high up tho Ohiwa Harbour. N HASTINGS, February 16. _ From midday yesterday to 9 o'clock this morning 1.94 in of rain fell. The. weather is now clearing. WELLINGTON. February 16. The total rainfall at Wellington during the 24 hours ended this morning was 4.11 in. This is one of the highest falls recorded during the past 60 years. OHRISTCHUROH, February 16. Rain set in on Friday morning, and with very slight intermission has" continued ever since. The fall amounted to nearly_ 2in in 1\ hours. This morning it was rainingheavier than ever, and there were no signs of tho weather clearing. Indications suggest a flood.