STORMY WEATHER.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 306, 20 May 1911, Page 5

STORMY WEATHER.

THE RAIN ABATING. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Gisborne, Friday. The heavy rain abated early this morning, and the rivers, which were very high, are now falling. In the '29 hours prior to 0 o'clock this morning, 7.16 inches of rain fell, and the total for the month so far is 9.97 inches. The steamer Victoria had a rough trip from Auckland. As it was after nightfall when she reached the vicinity of Gisborne, Captain Entwhistle stood out to sea for the night; and passengers were landed this morning. COUNTRY SUBMERGED. Waipawa, Friday. The gale has subsided, but the river is in high flood, and portions of the lowlying country are submerged. No serious damage is reported. RESIDENTS FLOODED OUT. Napier, Friday. The worst of the storm is over, and the weather now shows signs of clearing. During 24 hours 5.83 inches of rain fell, of which 4.78 descended between 0 o'clock and 4 o'clock yesterday. The condition of the rivers indicates a fall. In the country there has been nothing like as heavy rain as in town, otherwise the position would have been serious. As it is, a vnst area of low-lying land is under water, but the water is now rapidly falling. Owing to the sewer outlet becoming' blocked with silt a great quantity of storm water is Iving about the lowlying portion* of the borough, and in the vicinity of the railway station its depth is a foot to eighteen inches. A number of residents had to leave their homes last night. There are several very serious slips on the hills, and the damage will be considerable. TELEGRAPH WIRES DOWN. Hastings, Friday. The rainfall for 48 hours was' S.lOin, and more rain is threatening. The telegraph wires between Gisborne and Napier have been down for thirty hours, breaks having occurred both on the Morere and Opoufama routes. The weather moderated early yesterday morning, and the day was bright and clear. All danger of flood has been averted. The Waipaoa river rose to the top of its bank and slightly overflowed at Poupnrae, but caused no damage. The weather did not affect the working of the steamer at Gisborne. Light showers set in again to-day,, but the rivers are not likely to be seriously affected. DAMAGE AT TAIHAPE. Taihapr, Fridav. There was a rapid rise in the Il.mtapu river, which considerably damaged the hvdro-electric tunnel works, which were almost completed. AT FEUDING. Feilding, Friday. The weather is now eleoring after two days of almost, continuous rain, There is no sign or danger of floods, as the streams were almost dry.