97.2mm of rain in one day causes severe flooding in New Zealand
97.2mm of rain fell in 24 hours in Gisborne C﻿ity, which is equivalent to a month's rainfall in one day. The typical monthly average of rainfall for September is normally close to 75mm, so this was surpassed easily causing severe flooding. This led to numerous roads and highways in the area being closed.

© Te Hira Pere



© GISBORNE DISTRICT COUNCIL



Social Media

It's pretty wild in Gizzy at the moment #gisborne #floods #extremeweather pic.twitter.com/ajpyj6BAHb



— Finn Rainger (@FinnRainger) September 21, 2015

#flooding in Gisborne this morning pic.twitter.com/VAiKU1uar4



— Te Hira Pere (@Honperetehira) September 21, 2015

Greetings from Lake Gisborne! Big floods here today after more than 24 hours heavy rain. pic.twitter.com/hwDCvTRYua



— Phil Robinson (@Gizzyphil) September 21, 2015

Parts of north-eastern New Zealand are experiencing severe flooding after one month of rain fell in one day.Flooding has been reported in Gisborne city, closing several roads in the area. Gisborne Civil Defence officials report that State Highway 2 north of Ormond is closed and anyone unable to return to their homes outside of Gisborne would need to find alternative accommodation.Earlier today, civil defence authorities said that evacuation is being considered for Te Karaka residents as further rainfall of around 50 to 70 mm was expected during the evening.Police are urging motorists to drive with extreme care and to avoid travel on the area's roads if possible.Earlier today Senior Sergeant Ross Smith said police were making their way to the vehicles and would check on the motorists and evacuate them if necessary."At this stage it has stopped raining in the area and it looks like there may be a break in the weather. But we need to check on these people to make sure they are alright and see if the highway is now passable," Mr Smith said.Gisborne Civil Defence officials said that the rain has eased in the district with the rain band now moving south where flooding is causing problems on roads at Nuhaka and Wairoa. A weaker rain band is expected in Gisborne on Thursday morning.