CANTERBURY STORMS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20637, 18 August 1941, Page 4

CANTERBURY STORMS

SNOW COVERS PLAINS HEAVY FALL OF RAIN PROSPECT OF FLOODING (Per Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, this day. Storms which have been sweeping the Canterbury plains since Wednesday morning reached their greatest force on Saturday night when rain, hail and snow, with extx-emely cold temperatures and a strong south-west wind, caused some losses in early lambing and saturated the ground to such an extent that sowings of spring wheat will be delayed in most parts for at least a month. Five or Gin. of snow fell on the plains on Saturday and telephone and electric poTver lines were interrupted in many centres. Most of the Canterbury rivers are running up to or over their banks and as indications point to more rain there is a danger of flooding, especially when the snow on the high country starts to thaw. With the exception of Arthur’s Pass and the inland route to Kaikoura all the main roads are open. In the lower parts of the city gardens and streets were covered with water, but it did not enter any houses. At Lyttelton a slip carried a shed on to the roof of a house, but the damage was slight. The weather cleared up in the city yesterday. Reports from the country were that although the rain had stopped the outlook w'as threatening. Snow in Ashburton County ranged from a sprinkle on the coast to 6in. at Alford Forest and Bin. at Methven up to noon yesterday, after which the weather improved, though it is still threatening. No abnormal loss in the early lambs is expected. Slight damage to telegraph and power lines was caused.