The cyclone of 1936 was an unnamed tropical cyclone originating near the Solomon Islands that struck New Zealand on 1 February 1936 causing widespread flooding and destruction. The cyclone claimed at least 12 lives in New Zealand.
Contents
Origins and track
The cyclone formed south of the Solomon Islands on 28 January 28. It then travelled southeast where it meet with a cold front which caused it to intensify prior to hitting the North Island of New Zealand on February 1. On 1 February it was centered near Norfolk Island. During the night it increased in speed and intensity, with the centre passing over Auckland. By 9am on the 2nd it was centred near Kawhia and by Monday, 3rd the storm centre had passed over the Chatham Islands. The barometer in Auckland dropped to 28.57 inches at the storm's peak.
Impact
The cyclone brought heavy rain which caused every major river in the North Island to flood. Its winds destroyed buildings from Picton to Kaitaia, ripped up footpaths, and toppled thousands of trees. Power was lost, and roads and railway lines were cut throughout the island. There was flash flooding with thousands of cattle and sheep were drowned.
Auckland
In Auckland, 40 boats were sunk or driven ashore, trees were uprooted, roofs blown off houses, and windows blown in. The wind was estimated to have been gusting to 90 mph.
Feilding
The Feilding aeroclub hanger and two aeroplanes destroyed.
Manawatu and Wairarapa
The Manawatu and Wairarapa had the strongest southly winds. Manakau, Kuku, and Levin houses were damaged by the winds.
Palmerston North
In Palmerston North many houses lost roofs, the showgrounds main stand lost its roof, the Fitzherbert Avenue sports ground stand lost its roof, power and telegraph poles were broken, trees were uprooted, St Chad's church and hall in Longburn were destroyed, a railway settlement hut was blown over injuring its occupant, a motor upholstery and paint shop was destroyed, and numerous shop windows were blown in. The Manawatu River reached 15 feet 9 inches on its flood gauge, 3 inches more than the previous hightest flood.
Thames
There was severe flooding at Thames.
Wellington
The Rangatira struck an object while entering Wellington heads and was badly holed. The steamer John broke her moorings and was driven ashore near the Hutt River mouth.
Whangarei
Whangarei township and its business district were flooded.
Deaths
12 people lost their lives.
Aftermath
The intensity of the storm and its suddenness caused consternation in Auckland about the lack of warning. The local press questioned the ability of the weather bureau in Wellington to adequately cover the weather for Auckland and Northland. The Director of Meteorological Services, Dr E Kidson, responded that there was no way to know the changes to a storm at sea and regardless of where the service was based no better warning could have been given.