MELBOURNE FLOODS

Grey River Argus, 17 January 1941, Page 8

MELBOURNE FLOODS

FOLLOW ELECTRIC STORM. MELBOURNE, January 16. The fierciest electrical storm experienced in Melbourne for a quarter of a century, swept the city last night, accompanied by torrential rain, flooding all the city streets to a depth of a foot oi' more. Strange scenes were witnessed as the fast running streams of flood water converged at intersections, sweeping over the running boards of cars and trams, which were unable to proceed. The water swirled over the footpaths, and was inches high in shopfronts. Pedestrians were forced to splash a way to shelter on high places, such as the Post Office steps and theatre vestibules. Thousands of pounds damage was done to flooded shop basements. A large part of the telephone system was disorganised by flooded tunnels The water poured down the stairways of Flinders Street railway station, flooding the subways to a depth of two feet. The storm lasted only half an hour but it is estimated that an inch of rain fell. Large areas in the suburbs, wore ir undated. Fire brigade detachments are busy all over ;h,. .'i-.y, pumping out flooded cellars.