Terrific Storm Smites Sydney

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7032, 16 December 1932, Page 6

Terrific Storm Smites Sydney

Extensive Property Damage GALE OF CYCLONIC FORCE United Press Association—By Electrio Tolegraph—Copyright. Received Thursday, 9.50 p.m. SYDNEY, Dec. 15. A violent storm occurred in Sydney at 4.30 this afternoon, accompanied by thunder, fierce lightning and a howling gale. All city traffic was dislocated for half an hour. The water channels overflowed into shops, offices and basements, and extensive damage to city and suburban property is expected. Fireball Destroys Four Shops WIDESPREAD HAVOC IN SHOPS AND HOMES STORM COMES WITH DRAMATIO SUDDENNESS. Received Thursday, 11 p.m. SYDNEY, Dec. 15. With unparalleled violence the rain swept the streets, driving pedestrians to shelter, smashing windows and unroofing houses in various parts of the metropolitan area. Tho wind was of cyclonic force, reaching a velocity of 67 miles an hour. It blew down hoardings and fences, leaving a trail of wreckage and causing the greatest consternation among householders. Four shops at Wilson’s Point on the north side of the harbour wero struck bv lightning of a fireball, and the wind completed their destruction. Threo persons were injured. The public hall at Hunter’s Hill was brought down, while tho roof of a house in the samo suburb was carried into a neighbouring tree. A largo garage belonging to the Commonwealth Oil Refineries was struck by lightning and completely wrecked. There were many anxious moments for the ferries during the height of tho storm when, owing to the lashing rain, visibility was very bad; but reports state that all is well. A number of cars in the underground parking area in tho city wero seriously damaged when a protective fence fell from above, a distance of 40 feet, and stove-in tho hoods. Fruit barrows with their contents were swept along tho streets by tho swirling waters, while motor-cars were deposited on the pavements. Reports from all parts of the metropolitan area disclose that tho torrential rain penetrated houses, causing havoc to the furniture and bedding. The storm, which is described as one of the worst in the history of Sydney, was preceded by severe humidity, the lowering clouds plunging the city into somi-darkness. Then with dramatic suddenness a fierce wind brought the rain in blinding white clouds after the manner of a tornado, catching everybody unawares. For tho next half-hour the whole city was deluged, causing the entire suspension of business and traffic. Boy Electrocuted Received Thursday, Midnight. SYDNEY, Dec. 15. A boy wa,s electrocuted at Auburn by fallen wires.