We woke to a thunderstorm on Saturday but it didn't last long and the rain stopped so we went to the Growers' Market. When we got home I looked through the Venetian blinds and thought there were black clouds coming but when I lifted the blind I realised it was thick black smoke from a house on fire a few streets away.
I dialled 111 and luckily it had already been reported and we heard a fire truck shortly after but we could still see flames.
Luckily there were working smoke alarms and everyone got out safely. There were four fire engines and 20 crew. Everyone has been rallying around the family.
Sunday was sunny and I finally managed to do some work in the garden and got about 15 of the broccoli and kale seedlings planted out and did some weeding. I also collected leaves from the park behind us and put them into various compost bins. Some of them have been nicely chopped up by the mowers.
Doug went on the Parkinson walk today but I stayed home and baked a cake then when things warmed up I collected more leaves for the compost.
While all this has been happening the South Island has had a red alert storm and there is major flooding in Canterbury with bridges washed away, roads and farms under water and people being told to stay home unless they have to evacuate. The storm is not over yet but we just saw on our news that Lake Taupo in the middle of the North Island is almost at its lowest recorded level and rain is desperately needed there.
Our forecast for tomorrow is fine but only 16°C.
I'm glad to hear that everyone got out from the burning building. I live within hearing distance of the school where I used to work and still find myself jumping up when the alarms go off. Of course it's usually just a practice evacuation (or someone making toast!).
ReplyDeleteIt is quite scary. Does the school have neighbours who help in an emergency. I know in Kaitaia where I used to live the local Rest Home had people who lived near trained to help in an emergency evacuation.
DeleteI didn't see Lake Taupo news, but found photos of people with their dogs sleeping in the car, and the wee horse, just shows how we all care in different ways.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds really bad with the bridge now closed at Ashburton.
DeleteWe were promised thunder storms for tonight, but I now see that they've been cancelled!
ReplyDeleteYou describe a dramatic day, with fire and floods, how awful for those involved. Weather patterns do seem to be more extreme these days.
ReplyDeleteSounds like good work in the garden!
It was lucky that the family had smoke alarms. The flooding is really serious and a major bridge is still not open, possibly damaged cutting off the bottom part of the South Island.
DeleteIt must be devastating to have your home go on fire, and just goes to show that smoke alarms are an essential piece of equipment to have in your home.
ReplyDeleteYes, we test ours regularly and have an emergency exit plan.
DeleteGlad that everyone was safe..fire can still devastate a life
ReplyDeleteWe saw the reports of the Southland and Canterbury storms.
Odd to think that it is that dry around Taupō at the same time. Although friends near Whanganui have been worried about their water tank.
Yes, I was surprised to see about Taupo although we have been told not to waste water because our dams are low. The bridge on S.H.1 at Ashburton is still not open for heavy vehicles and the bridge is being tested as it was slumping. It is a major detour to get around it.
DeleteJust as well we don't get much flooding up here, my cousin lives in Timaru, she's lucky she lives away from it.
ReplyDelete