STORM-SWEPT SYDNEY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVII, Issue 17651, 11 December 1920, Page 9

STORM-SWEPT SYDNEY.

GREAT GALE ON COAST. FLOODS IN NEWCASTLE. FAMILIES RESCUED IN BOATS." By Telegraph— Association—Copyright. (Received 12.5 a.m.) A. and X.Z. SYDNEY. Dec. 10. A fierce gale, accompanied with torrential rain, raged throughout last night and to-day and continues with increased fury. The centre of the cyclonic disturbance is now nearer Sydney. All ferry traffic crossing the entrance at the heads was stopped at 2.30 p.m., as the sea was raging worse than ever. The storm, with highly dangerous seas, extends from Newcastle to Moruya. The rainfall for Sydney to date is the highest recorded for December for 62 years. All train traffic has been delayed. In many cases trolley poles of tramcars were blown off the overhead wires. Some of the low-lying suburban areas are flooded, while country reports state that the rivers are rising and there is considerable flooding. Heavy damage to crops is reported. The gale at its height struck Newcastle this morning, the wind reaching a velocity of 80 miles an hour. Over 60 families were rescued in the low-lying districts by police in boats. Shipping in the harbour experienced a perilous time, almost all the vessels breaking from their moorings and drifting till tugs made them fast. It is expected that the gale all along the coast will subside to-night.