PHENOMENAL RAIN STORM

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 269, 10 August 1938, Page 13

PHENOMENAL RAIN STORM

Wellington And District Swept By Northerly Gale VIOLENT HAIL SQUALL IN CITY Streets Flooded And Shops Invaded By Water Heralded by low barometric pressure, which was fairly genera! in the southern portion of the North Island, a storm of exceptional severity swept Wellington yesterday afternoon and early last night, culminating in a phenomenal hail squall and heavy rain shortly before 7 p.m. Storm waters and large hailstones choked gutters and culverts in-many city streets, causing considerable flooding and a dislocation of traffic. In several localities the water spread right across the road, invaded footpaths and penetrated the floors of city stores, causing damage to stock. Extensive flooding occurred on the Hutt Road between the Thorndon tramsheds and the site of the old Lambton railway station. All traffic and trams, including an ambulance, was held up temporarily until the water subsided. Stormy weather was experienced in many parts of the southern half of the North Island and in some districts the electric power supply was cut off and telegraph lines were brought down by fallen trees. In Wellington yesterday the barometer reading a,t 9 p.m. was 29.25 in., having fallen half an inch since noon, and .85in. since the previous midnight.