SEVERE SNOWSTORMS

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 March 1937, Page 7

SEVERE SNOWSTORMS

BRITAIN’S WINTRY WEATHER. [BRITISH OFFICIAL WIRELESS.] (Recd. March 16, 2 p.m.) RUGBY, March 15. Practically the whole of Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and the northern part of England experienced during the last few days the severest snowstorms for many years. During the week-end, a thaw began in Ireland, and resulted in severe flooding, but in Scotland and Northern England further snowstorms occurred. Many roads, railways and tracks were buried beneath huge drifts, many country villages and farmsteads being completely isolated. The farmers, in particular, suffered heavy losses, as the severe weather has come just as the lambing season was due to begin, and many thousands of sheep are lost. In Northern England and Southern Scotland, there is now some improvement in road conditions, and the usual main thoroughfare to Scotland from the south is now open for single traffic.

In Belfast, three large halls belonging to the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society were practically destroyed, when the -weight of the snow caused the collapse of the roofs, the damage being estimated at £12,000. London and Southern England escaped the snow, but yesterday heavyrain fell continuously. London, to-day, is experiencing bright sunshine, with cold winds. This year’s rainfall has broken all records, and the total for January and February was the greatest for 67 years.