Natural Hazards frequently asked questions

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Tornadoes in New Zealand - FAQs

Some commonly-asked questions about tornadoes in New Zealand.

What is a return period?

The probability that events such as floods, wind storms or tornadoes will occur is often expressed as a return period.

Did sea-level gauges in New Zealand detect the 2010 Chile Tsunami?

Rob Bell's analysis of the tsunami signature.

What impact did the Samoa tsunami have on New Zealand?

A powerful magnitude 8.0 earthquake ruptured the seafloor south of Samoa on 30 September 2009, unleashing a destructive tsunami on Samoa, American Samoa, and northern Tonga (Niuatoputapu).