VIVID LIGHTNING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22059, 15 March 1935, Page 10

VIVID LIGHTNING

EXPERIENCE IN CITY AN INTENSE DISTURBANCE POWER SUPPLY AFFECTED HEAVY DOWNPOUR FOLLOWS Flashes of lightning and peals of thunder of unusual frequency characterised a severe electrical storm -experienced in Auckland last night. The lightning was particularly vivid in Mount Albert and surrounding suburbs and was considered by some residents to bo the most intense thoy had ever seen. The first flashes appeared in tho south-eastern sky shortly after six o'clock and from thdn on the lightning increased in vividness. Several distinct flashes followed in such quick succession that the illumination became merged in bands of light of varying intensity. Several times during the night tho city and harbour were bathed for seconds in blue light.

Early in tho evening two elcctricpowor transformers in tho Mount Eden district were affected by lightning, and tho lighting in a number of houses was interrupted for a time. Fairly large areas were affected, and in one cas«* it was thought that the transformer was damaged. A proper inspection ia to be made to-day. Tho staff of the Auckland Elcctric-Power Board, as a means of renewing the service, linked this transformer with another.

Shortly before 11 o'clock a transformer in Parkstono Avenue, Mount Albert, was put out of order, after a particularly vivid flash of lightning, and the lights in a considerable area were dimmed. A special staff' of workmen was available to deal with faults, which generally were not considered to bo serious. Three motor-trucks were still engaged in the suburbs at a late hour. Heavy showers of rain fell in the city early yesterday morning and, although the rain cleared for a period, it commenced again during the afternoon and a steady downpour continued for most of the night. The fall for 24 hours ended midnight was 1.64 in. The wind remained strong throughout the day, varying from past to. southeast, and it increased lo gale force late last night. The barometer commenced falling rapidly after mid-day and registered 29.50 in. at midnight.