FIERCE THUNDERSTORM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20846, 13 April 1931, Page 8

FIERCE THUNDERSTORM

EXPERIENCE AT HASTINGS.

many residents terrified.

STREETS QUICKLY FLOODED.

WIND, LIGHTNING AND HAIL.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

HASTINGS, Sunday

The worst thunderstorm within the memory of old residents of Hastings broke over tho town yesterday afternoon, accompanied by torrential rain.

Gusts of wind and lightning added to the startling nature of the storm. Several women and many children were terrified by one particularly loud clap of thunder.

In a few minutes the streets were, to a large extent, under water, the depth in some places being easily a foot. One section of the main street was entirely submerged. It was impossible to proceed from one end of Heretaunga Street to the other without either wading through miniature torrents or else walking up and down side streets to find a less watery crossing.

Hail fell for some minutes in part of town. This was heavy and steady and nearly an inch fell in half an hour.

At several intersections along Heretaunga Street there were miniature'lakes covering corners and extending for many yards on to private property. Several residents were caught napping with uncovered houses. In three residences, in the Parkvale district the rain poured in unlimited quantites through openings in the roofs where chimneys stood before the earthquake. Extensive damage was done to wallpapers in every instance.