VIOLENT STORM

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 105, 28 January 1938, Page 11

VIOLENT STORM

Sydney Plunged Into Darkness DAMAGE BY LIGHTNING Plane Reported Forced Down At Sea By 'Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright. (Received Jnnuary’27, 10.10 p.m.) Sydney, January 27 A violent storm in Sydney this afternoon plunged the city in darkness, created consternation among suburban householders, upset yachts competing in a sailing race on the harbour, and caused considerable damage to thc decorations in the streets and on business houses. A house was struck by lightning at St. Peter’s, chimney-stacks being brought down and scattering in all directions. City streets were deluged. A report was received from Bondi that an aeroplane, battling through the storm, had been forced down at sea. The pilot steamer Captain Cook is searching the area. The wind velocity was over 50 miles an hour and lightning the most vivid for some years. Shops, trams and taxis were compelled to switch on their lights. A parade of massed bands through the city, en route to the showground for the band competitions, was seriously interrupted. Hundreds of bandsmen, compelled to rush for shelter, were lost in the crowds which had gathered on the footpaths to watch them. An empty tram at Maroubra was struck by lightning and set on fire, but the flames were subdued with a chemical extinguisher. TRIPLE COLLISION Ships In Darling Harbour (Received January 27, 10.10 p.m.) Sydney, January 27. Three ships collided in Darling Harbour to-day without serious damage. The Howard Smith motor-freighter Momba was berthing when a strong wind carried her on to the coaster Bermagui. The force of the impact caused the Bermagui to bump another coaster, the Cobargo, causing minor damage to the two coasters, and a good deal of excitement among the crews, some of whom were compelled to jump clear of the colliding vessels.