STORM FORECASTS.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13176, 7 February 1936, Page 5

STORM FORECASTS.

SECOND EDITION

AUCKLANDER’S COMPLAINT.

DR. KIDSON HITS BACK

Electric Telegraph—Press Association WELLINGTON. Last Night.

“Why was warning of the storm, not given by the meteorological service?*’ was stated by a writer in the “Auckland Star.” to be the question on everybody's lips in Auckland after the cyclonic storm of the week-end.

The other side of the question wa-s given yesterday to “The Dominion*’ by Dr. E. Kid son, Director of Meteorological Services, who made a spirited reply to the Auckland criticism and pointed out that in fact the forecast issued to the “Auckland Star” on Saturday afternoon was, under the circumstances quite a good forecast.

“We have to issue the forecast a considerable time before the event, whereas people in Auckland no doubt realised that a storm was coming when it was right upon them,” Dr. Kjdson said. “Many people can be wcatherwise after the event. “The forecast sent to the ‘Auckland Star’ on Saturday morning was to the following effect:—

While an anti-cyclone of slight intensity has moved on to the central and southern portions of the Dominion, a deep cyclone i> moving from the north toward the northern extremity. Forecast: Strong easterly winds to gales. Weather dull and misty, with general rain. Heavy falls probable with some flooding Seas becoming rough to high on the east coast ; moderate but rising on the west. “This forecast,” continued Dr. Kidson. “in view of the fact that we have to depend almost entirely on indications received from reports from Norfolk Island. I do not consider a bad forecast. At that time the centre of tlie storm was north of the North Island and had been moving south very slowly. Tt was not till Saturday evening that the southerly movement became very rapid, while at the same time the storm deepened very considerably.”

Commenting on the advocacy of the establishment of a branch of the meteorological office at Auckland, advocated by the writer in the “Star.” Dr. Kidson said it was the intention to establish a branch there within a few months probably, chief!v in connection with meteorological services for aviation. ‘‘The only advantage of having a branch in Auckland during the recent storm.” continued the director, “would have been that then 4 might possibly have been issued. Date on Saturclav evening, a special warning but that is very doubtful.’’ When a storm was coming across the ocean one could not net detailed reports about it he said. The storm at Auckland was des< ribed as the greatest storm that had ever been experienced. Dr. Kidson said it was difficult to say that that was so. It was quite possible it v.iS, but rhere were many places that had had worse storms. At Palmerston North it seemed t<» have been the worst ever experienced there.