VIOLENT STORM.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 57, Issue 26, 10 November 1936, Page 10

VIOLENT STORM.

TOWN OF HAMILTON DELUGED. (Per Press Association.; HAMILTON, November 9. An electrical storm of unusual intensity swept the W aikato on Sunday afternoon, and the torrential rain and hail which fell caused flooding and interference in various parts of Hamilton and surrounding districts. The thunderstorm burst on Hamilton about 1 o’clock with exceptional viodence, the deluge being accompanied by lightning and thunder. Low-lying areas and depressions were soon changed into large lakes. The water tables were quite unable to cope with the water, which found the weaknesses in house and shop roois, caused consideiable damage in some instances, one shopkeeper estimating his loss at £250. During the storm hail fell, some of the stones being as large as golf balls. Faults due to lightning dislocated \t toll lines connected with the Hamilton exchange. Although the total damage to the stock in shops has not been ascertained, it is estimated! at well above £IOOO. The rainfall recorded in the town was 2.5 inches in one hour. ROTORUA STREETS FLOODED. ROTORUA, November 9. For four hours on Sunday night Rotorua was subjected to one of the most violent thunderstorms in its history. Torrential Irain and hail, and almost continuous lightning, was accompanied by thunder which rolled with almost terrifying violence. At the height of the storm the rain was so heavy that the streets and roadways were flooded, in some places to a depth of several inches. When the rail ceased, shortly before midnight, the water, which had risen from the overcharged drains and gutters, and flooded footpaths in parts of the business area, was lapping the door steps of a number of business premises.

Throughout the storm the town was in almost complete darkness because of the failure of the power supply.