infonews.co.nz
INDEX
WEATHER

Businesses' report million dollars damage, New Plymouth freak storm

Wednesday 5 November 2014, 8:38PM

By Community Taranaki

1392 views

Hail Hits
Hail Hits Credit: FACEBOOK

NEW PLYMOUTH

BREAKING NEWS: The Huatoki Plaza stage will not be working because of water damage from New Plymouth's storm.

New Plymouth was hit by a freak hail storm this afternoon which caused The Warehouse and many other CBD stores to be evacuated.

At around 4pm weather begun in an instant, thunder and lightning was first to hit, then all hell broke loose when the rain and hail hit the city.

New Plymouth Fire Service spoke with Youth in Politics CBD Reporter Danielle Niwa who reported an increase in 19 calls around weather related incidents.

This included one of which from The Warehouse where panels of the roof fell, and has destroyed all cash registers. “No sales could be made” a staff member told Youth in Politics.

“We estimate that around $100,000 of damage has been made including thousands of dollars of stock and equipment, to even thousands more for the damage to the ceiling” a staff member, Sam, said.

“Water came crashing down as it built up on the ceiling, and when it fell, staff members were left in shock understandably”

“We evacuated the store, and were only selling fireworks at reduced prices, of which all have sold” he said.

Youth in Politics had fifteen young people volunteering for the fireworks display which was postponed yesterday, and they’ve reported damage at some of their own homes.

Specsavers, The Body Shop, Harvey World Travel, The Warehouse, HQ Headquarters, Kudos and Stars Travel had significant water damage which damaged the stores.

Iconic Arts NZ which is a store selling local art, in the old Esquires Coffee building was drenched. A staff member from Specsavers contacted the owner who said it was devastating to hear. 

“She had just been in surgery, and she had no idea” a Specsavers employee told Youth in Politics CBD Reporter Michael Riley.

Youth in Politics Reporter and Founder Michael Riley said it was the worst freak storm the city may have had in a very long time.

“I estimate that around seventy percent of the CBD stores and shops will have water damage. That’s very significant” Riley said.

“Insurance claims will of course be filled, and The Warehouse may have had the full brunt with a $100,000 price tag already put on the damage”

“Four other stores on Devon Street had roof and ceiling damage, with one small dairy and lotto shop losing part of its roof” Riley said.

Traffic came to a standstill when the weather hit with some traffic lights failing to work, and our one way system facing major congestion issues.

The Metservice reported at 3pm that the weather was cloudy, but no significant rain was on the way, and Metservice have informed Youth in Politics they had nothing on their radars.

“We have updated our website, however our radars never indicated this storm would occur up until minutes before it occurred” a statement from Metservice said.

There was flooding that affected numerous areas of the Taranaki district, including Stratford where flooding in one home got ‘knee deep’.

For the full story, photos and videos check the Youth in Politics Facebook page www.facebook.com/nznpyouth.

Youth in Politics will have comprehensive coverage of the storm, and the fireworks tomorrow morning.