1936 New Zealand cyclone
The 1936 New Zealand Cyclone 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. Origins and track. The cyclone formed south of the Solomon Islands on 28 January 1936. 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 1 February. 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 9 am on 2 February, it was centred near Kawhia and by Monday, 3 February the storm centre had passed over the Chatham Islands. The barometer in Auckland dropped to 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. Whangarei. Whangarei township and its business district were flooded. 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 . Thames. There was severe flooding at Thames. Manawatu and Wairarapa. The Manawatu and Wairarapa had the strongest southly winds. Manakau, Kuku, and Levin houses were damaged by the winds. 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 on its flood gauge, more than the previous highest flood. The Feilding aeroclub hangar and two aeroplanes were destroyed. 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. Deaths. Twelve 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 Edward 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.