TERRIFIC THUNDERSTORM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19838, 7 January 1928, Page 12

TERRIFIC THUNDERSTORM.

HOBART HOUSES FLOODED. EXCITING INCIDENTS. A terrific thunderstorm, accompanied by torrential rain, was experienced in Hobart on December 17. Largo numbers of people, who were spending the afternoon on the beaches, were caught in the storm and drenched to the skin. A number oi houses were invaded by flood waters. Water from the higher levels converged at the intersection of two streets and swept over the footpaths into three small cottages below the level of the streets. Tho water broke through the front doors, and also went, in the back way, rising to a height of four feet. Some men, who happened to be nearby forced their way through the swirling waters, which brought down a tremendous amount of mud and'debris, aud rescued women and children from the houses. The services of the fire brigade had to bo called in to pump the water out. The water found its way into several other houses which, however, did not suffer to the samj extent. In another street tha position was even worse. An underground creek which drains tho higher levels, broke through the planking which covered it, and tha force of water which was released smashed a brick dividing-wall, four feet in height. Tho' water rushed through a house occupied by ah elderly lady, who had an unenviable experience before she was rescued by a neighbour when ou the point of collapsing, the water at the time being over her waist.