TRAGIC WEATHER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21414, 11 February 1933, Page 11

TRAGIC WEATHER

COLD IN AMERICA TEMPERATURE BELOW ZERO MANY DEATHS CAUSED EARLY CROPS RUINED PLIGHT OF THE POOR By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received February 10. 5.5 p.m.) NEW YORK. Feb. 9 An intensive cold wave, which drove the temperature down to record low levels in many north-western cities gripped the L'nited States to-dav, with the exception of points on the west coast and in the far east. At least 60 deaths directly attributed to the cold are reported. In Chicago the temperature was 27 below zero—the lowest for 21 years and 17 lives were lost there. Fire destroyed an elevator containing much of the Federal Farm Board's wheat. The cold interfered with the firemen. Deaths from the cold temperatures are reported from as far south as Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana. There is freezing weather in central Florida and in Imperial Valley, California, the temperature is the lowest for 21 years. Many acres of early vegetable and fruit crops were ruined by frost and snow. The Chicago wheat market was stronger to-day on reports of the unfavourable weather. Some relief is predicted for to-morrow or next day in the middle west and eastern States. The temperature in New York to-day reached the season's low record of 11 degrees below zero. The municipal lodging houses are filled to their capacity with homeless men.