A severe storm which crossed the North Island 2 February 1936 caused substantial damage in and around Palmerston North, one of the hardest hit towns. Houses lost roofs, chimneys were blown over, the grandstands of the A&P Association, the Awapuni Racecourse and the sportsground were demolished, and a man was killed when he was blown off his roof as he tried to repair it. Manawatu Evening Standard, February 3 1936: "Opposite Maire Street, a large building owned by the Guy Estate collapsed in Rangitikei Street like a pack of cards at 2 pm, the partially demolished roof resting flat on smashed and splintered beams."